Many people have no idea who to call after someone dies; therefore, the default is to contact the police. Unless the death is suspicious or a crime has been committed, this is not necessary. Death is not an emergency. If you call 9-1-1 they are required by law to respond with life-saving measures even if the individual has signed and legally filed a DNR – Do Not Resuscitate. If the individual has not seen a doctor in the last 20 days, call the Coroner.
Though embalming has become an established practice, no law in any state requires embalming. Families may be told they must embalm if they want a viewing as part of the funeral services; however, this is a policy of the funeral home not a law. A dead body is not a threat to public health by virtue of being dead. The exception would be in the case of infectious diseases such as TB, HIV, or COVID. Moreover, embalming is is only temporary. The natural decomposition process resumes once the remains are buried.
It takes 3-7 days before the body starts to decay. The process can be delayed by the strategic placement of dry ice or cryopacks, turning up the air conditioning, and the use of scented oils. All of these were common practices during the time when home funerals were the norm. In these post-COVID days, the practice is returning as part of the growing quest for alternatives in caring for our dead.
Comments