INDUSTRY INSIGHT
FUNERAL SERVICES
SPONSORED CONTENT
What Happens When…
P
eople have asked me what happens immediately after a
death occurs. Many believe every person that dies goes to
the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office (ACME). The
circumstances will determine if the case will be referred to ACME.
Those cases may include any suspicious or accidental deaths, the
death of a child, unattended deaths, recent medical and surgical
procedures that failed or people who died without an attending
physician. Actually, very few cases are referred to the Medical
Examiner.
Most deaths occur in a hospital, hospice or residence. They are
usually attended by a physician. The physician knows the medical
history of the person, and will sign an original death certificate
certifying a cause of death.
When a death occurs at home, the first call should be to 911. EMS
personnel can pronounce a death with a date and time. However, if
the home patient is under hospice care, call the hospice first.
Do not assume that the funeral home will be notified by a medical
facility, Medical Examiner or Coroner that a death has occurred.
Many facilities have policies forbidding their personnel from calling
a funeral home due to the appearance of impropriety and conflicts
of interest. A family member or designated representative should
always make the initial call. Some families have asked why we did not
contact them about setting up an arrangement conference in a timely
Please bring
your old
worn, torn
or faded flag
to Perman
Funeral Home
The flags collected will be retired in a dignified
manner by local members of the Boy Scouts of
America and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
US Flag Code: The flag when it is in
such condition that it is no longer
a fitting emblem for display, should
be destroyed in a dignified way,
preferably by burning.
Perman
Funeral Home
923 Saxonburg Boulevard • Pittsburgh PA 15223
412-486-3600 • www.permanfuneralhome.com
manner. When we explain that we were not informed of the death,
they understand.
I remember one time when the door bell rang at the funeral home.
I invited the gentleman in. He stated that he wanted to make funeral
arrangements for his wife. After I introduced myself and expressed
my condolence, he asked me if his wife was at the funeral home yet
and why did I not call him to set up an arrangement conference. I told
him that I had not been informed of her death, and explained that
many area hospitals will not directly call a funeral home even when
informed by the family of their choice of funeral home. I ascertained
his wife’s name and where she was. One phone call let me know
that we could then transport her back to the funeral home. After
reassuring the gentleman that we would immediately bring his wife
back to our funeral home, he asked me… NOW, WHAT DO I DO?
I am asked all the time about what is needed to successfully make
funeral arrangements. Something to keep in mind when we are in the
arrangement conference, the information gathered is from the point
of view of the deceased. Here is a list of what will be needed:
Clothing for the Deceased — A full set of clothes including
undergarments, socks or stockings, shoes or slippers. We even
request clothing for a simple cremation out of respect for the
deceased person.
Photos — Up to 75 photos showing the deceased at various times
during his/her life. Photos are used for a DVD video tribute, online
obituary and newspaper death notice.
Statistical Information — Name, Date of Birth, Address, Social
Security number, veteran separation papers (DD214), parents’
names (including mother’s maiden name), etc. This information
is used for filing the death certificate, Social Security Statement
of Death, veteran benefits and other necessary permits and
authorizations.
Obituary Information — This would include family member
names with spouses along with hometown, memorial contribution
information and any services information.
Other Personalization and Memorialization Options — These
can include visitation hours, church or service request, burial,
mausoleum or cremation options, music, dove and balloon release,
veteran’s honors, flowers, food, grave marker or headstone.
There are many more considerations. These things can be discussed
when meeting with us. Also, funeral choices and options can be done
before a death occurs. We will meet with families who know a death
is imminent. This meeting starts the process, so when the time comes,
the only concern is making the first call.
Perman Funeral Home…your first call.
This Industry Insight was written by Frank Perman, FD,
Supervisor, CFSP, CPC, CCO, CFC. He is the owner of Perman
Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc., 923 Saxonburg
Boulevard at Rt. 8 in Shaler Township. Mr. Perman
believes an educated consumer makes the most personal,
affordable and memorable decisions. Inquiries may be
made to Mr. Perman at 412.486.3600 or emailed to frank@
permanfuneralhome.com.
Shaler | Winter 2016 | icmags.com 17