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They Just Died — What To Do Right Now
Your parent has just died. You're standing in the room or holding the phone and your mind is blank. This is the playbook for the next few hours.
When to call 911
Only if you're not sure they're actually dead and they may need resuscitation. If hospice is involved, or this was clearly expected, you do NOT need 911 — you need the hospice nurse or the funeral home. 911 will trigger paramedics, who must attempt resuscitation in many situations, which is the opposite of what you want for an expected, peaceful death.
Where are they?