When shocked and grieving, it is an especially difficult time to handle a lot of forms and details, or to gather facts. Alfonso Dawson Mortuary is here to offer guidance and assistance. Arrangement conferences may be held at our funeral home, or we are available to come to your home.

Anticipated Death At Home

If a hospice organization recognized by the State of Georgia is in charge of the patient's care, then a phone call from a hospice nurse is all that is required. If a home health care provider is involved with the patient's care, then by law, you must call 911 and inform the dispatcher that a death has occurred. The 911 dispatcher cannot assume that death has occurred and therefore they will dispatch Rescue, as well as, the Police who will respond as they would to any normal emergency. In certain cases, you may be able to prevent Rescue and the Police from responding with lights and sirens by having a DO NOT RESUSCITATE ORDER. These can be obtained from a doctor or an attorney.

Unanticipated Death At Home

If there is neither Hospice nor a home care provider, call 911 immediately. Rescue and the police or sheriff deputy will be dispatched. The 911 dispatcher cannot assume that death has occurred. The officer will contact the doctor who was in charge of the patients care. In the event that there is not a doctor to sign the death certificate, the officer will have to contact the Medical Examiner. The Medical Examiner will also be contacted if the EMT's and the officer determine that the death may be due to a cause other than natural.

Page 1 2 3