If someone has unexpectedly collapsed and may still need emergency medical help, call 995 and follow the dispatcher’s instructions. SCDF lists loss of consciousness as an emergency.
If a death has occurred, the first contact depends on where it happened. A doctor certifies the death. A funeral director can help with arrangements and coordinate collection after certification and any required release clearance.
Follow any instructions from the care team and contact the attending doctor or family doctor. If they are unavailable, try a doctor who makes house calls.
When a death has occurred and you cannot reach a doctor, NEA advises calling the police. If a doctor attends but cannot certify the death, they will contact the police.
Tell the ward or facility staff first. Ask them who will arrange certification and explain the next steps.
If a hospital case is referred to the police, the investigating officer will tell the family when to attend Mortuary@HSA and when collection can take place. Follow the NEA hospital guidance and the officer’s instructions.
Keep the deceased’s identification document, such as an NRIC, FIN card or passport, ready for the doctor. When the doctor certifies the death online, ICA registers it automatically.
The doctor or hospital provides the certificate or Confirmation of Death number, the deceased’s identity number and the date of death. An eligible next of kin or a person they authorise can use those details to download the digital death certificate through LifeSG within 30 days of the death.
If the online system is unavailable, the doctor may issue a Confirmation of Death and complete the online certification later. ICA says this document can be used for funeral-related applications with NEA and Town Councils.
For a death in hospital, ask ward staff about release. In a police-referred case, follow the investigating officer. Ang Brothers can explain what to prepare and coordinate collection when the necessary certification or release is in place.
The burial or cremation permit is a separate step. Next of kin can apply through NEA or authorise a person such as the funeral director to apply. The SGH mortuary guide explains the separate hospital and Mortuary@HSA locations.
For funeral guidance after a death, we can explain what to prepare and when collection can be arranged. Message us on WhatsApp or call 9871 8388. We answer at any hour.
Discuss burial or cremation, the venue, the number of wake days and any religious requirements. A wake can take place at a suitable home, funeral parlour or Town Council-managed space. For an HDB void deck, check the NEA guidance on Town Council permits.
If your family wants a cremation without a wake, the Direct Farewell package costs $1,400 nett and includes the Mandai cremation fee. For other arrangements, compare the published funeral packages and ask for an itemised quote for your venue and chosen services.
See how to arrange a funeral for the planning steps or the funeral cost guide for the items to compare. For a death overseas, start with the local authorities and check ICA’s overseas death guidance. Ang Brothers can discuss repatriation arrangements.
Call 995 if the person has unexpectedly collapsed and may still need emergency help. For an expected death at home, follow the care plan and contact the attending doctor. In a hospital, hospice or nursing home, tell the staff first.
ICA registers the death automatically once a doctor certifies it online. An eligible relative or a person they authorise can download the digital death certificate through LifeSG within 30 days of the death.
You can call for guidance while the documents are being arranged. The funeral director can coordinate collection after certification and any required release clearance.
For a death overseas, contact the local authorities and check ICA’s guidance for your circumstances. A repatriation provider can explain the documents, permits and transport needed for the route.
For an expected death, follow the care team’s instructions and contact the attending doctor or a doctor who makes house calls. If a death has occurred and you cannot reach a doctor, call the police. For an unexpected collapse where emergency care may still be needed, call 995.
Speak to the ward staff. If the doctor certifies the death online, ICA registers it automatically. The hospital will explain the release process. For a police-referred case, follow the investigating officer’s instructions.
Have the deceased’s identification document ready for the doctor. For the LifeSG download, you need the death certificate or Confirmation of Death number, the deceased’s identity number and the date of death.
Has a death just occurred?
Our 24-hour team can guide the certification, collection and immediate arrangements in the correct order.
Has a death just occurred?
Call any hour for guidance. We can coordinate collection after certification and any required release clearance.
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