The first 24 hours

You don't need to call an ambulance. Call their GP, palliative care nurse, or after-hours palliative care line. They will guide you through what to do next.

A doctor needs to confirm the death and complete a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD). This can take a few hours — there is no rush.

Call 000. The paramedics or police will arrange next steps. The death may need to be reported to the Coroner — this is routine and is not an accusation.

The nurses and doctors will guide you. You can ask for time alone with them. You can ask for the lights to be lowered, for music, for prayers, for nothing at all.

There is no need to leave straight away. Many families spend an hour or more with the body before saying goodbye.

In Australia, you have the legal right to spend time with the body of a loved one. You can sit with them, hold their hand, brush their hair, talk to them.

If they died at home, you can also choose to keep them at home for a while — this is called a home vigil. The funeral director can help with cooling, or it can be done with simple ice packs for a short period. Cultural and religious traditions vary widely; do what feels right.

You don't have to tell everyone today. Start with the small circle: parents, children, siblings, closest friends.

It is completely OK to ask one person to call a few others on your behalf. People want to help.

• Drink a glass of water
• Eat something — even a piece of toast
• Sit down. Lie down if you can.
• Let someone else make decisions about food and visitors

• You do not need to choose a funeral director today
• You do not need to plan the service today
• You do not need to notify Centrelink, banks or the ATO today
• You do not need to look at the will today
• You do not need to post anything on social media today