Step 3: Delivery

Once you gather all of the information and prepare for the death notification, the third step is delivering the notification as soon as possible.

Once you arrive at the Next of Kin’s location, the primary notifier knocks on the door and confirms the identity of the person answering the door to ensure the death notification is being given to the correct person(s). Once the Next of Kin is identified and confirmed, the primary notifier introduces himself and the support person. Each person should present credentials. Next, ask if you may come inside and encourage the Next of Kin to sit down. This is encouraged for the safety of the Next of Kin. It is not uncommon for the person receiving the news to collapse during the notification if they are not sitting down.

The Death Notification Team should sit as well so everyone is on the same eye level. The support person should be scanning the location for small children or others who are in the area so they are not hearing the information or the Next of Kin’s response.