I need help now: Immediate steps after a death

What this article covers

What to do right now depending on where the death happened
Who to call and how we respond
What documents and information you will need to start arrangements
What to expect when we receive the decedent
Payment, timing, and special cases such as cremation or burial
How to start arrangements using our chat or by phone

If a death has just occurred

If you find someone who has died

Call 911 or the police first so the proper authorities can respond.
After the police or coroner complete any necessary investigation, call American Heritage at (432) 563-9767. This number is available 24 hours a day and will roll to our answering service after hours. You can also email Info@thehealingstartshere.com.

If the person was on hospice

Call the hospice team so they can come and complete the pronouncement.
Tell hospice staff that American Heritage will be involved so they can coordinate with us when their work is complete.
Call us at (432) 563-9767 to let us know you want us to arrange the transfer.

If the death occurred in a hospital or hospice facility

Notify hospital or hospice staff. They will complete their process and pronouncement and then contact us if you want American Heritage to arrange transfer and care.
Call us if you want to begin arrangements while the facility completes its steps.

If the coroner or police are involved

Follow coroner or police instructions first. Once any investigation or coroner hold is completed, please call us and we will coordinate the transfer. We will not schedule services until the decedent is in our care.

How American Heritage responds

We are available 24 hours a day for death calls.
Typical transfer response time is usually no more than 90 minutes.
We provide pickup at no additional charge within a 45 mile radius of our facility. For pickups outside that radius we charge $2.95 per loaded mile.
We accept transfers from homes, hospice, hospitals, and police or coroner locations.

Viewings, timelines and cremation

Viewings: Families may schedule viewings. We normally schedule viewings in 4 hour blocks. Additional time can be purchased upon request.
If you need a fast viewing: We can often arrange a viewing within 5 business days if the family is in a hurry.
Cremation: Texas law requires a 48 hour waiting period before cremation. In practice cremations are typically completed on an 8 to 10 day timeline depending on caseload. Families are welcome to witness or be as close as they are comfortable with during cremation. We will explain witness options when you arrange cremation.

Documents, death certificates, and legal items

To start arrangements, please be prepared to give the decedent’s vital information for the death certificate. Typical details include full name, date of birth, social security number if available, place and time of death, and next of kin contact information. If you wish to use insurance, please provide policy numbers and contact info.
We can assist with certified copies of the death certificate. Pricing: $21 for the first certified copy, and $4 for each additional copy. Families may order as many copies as they need. We can guide you through the filing process with vital records.

Payment, fees, and special pricing

Services must be paid prior to being rendered or scheduled.
We accept all major forms of payment. If you need help with payment options or insurance assignment, please call us to discuss.
Special consideration for children: baby services under 1 year of age are free. Services for children under 12 are charged at half the normal cost.
Transfer fees: pickups inside a 45 mile radius are no extra charge. Outside 45 miles we charge $2.95 per loaded mile.

Burial, cemetery coordination, and memorial items

We coordinate graveside services and cemetery scheduling with our cemetery staff. If your family already owns a plot, tell us when you call and we will schedule the graveside with the cemetery.
We keep a good inventory of urns and memorial products on site and can help you choose immediately if desired. Custom or special orders can also be arranged.

Religious, cultural, and grief support

We accommodate a wide range of religious and cultural rites. Catholic rosaries and traditional Catholic rites are common requests and we will help coordinate them.
We partner with Hospice Midland and recommend their grief care programs and resources. We can give contact details at the time of arrangements.

Coroner holds and investigative delays

If the coroner or police place a hold for investigation the hold may delay transfer and scheduling. We will not schedule services until the decedent is in our care. We will work closely with authorities and keep the family informed.

Who you should ask for when you call

Call (432) 563-9767 at any time. Ask for any funeral director unless you are already working with someone specific. The call will be answered by our staff or, after hours, by our answering service who will notify us immediately.

How to start arrangements right now

Phone
Call us 24/7 at (432) 563-9767.

Email
Info@thehealingstartshere.com

Quick FAQ

Q: How long before you pick up the person?
A: We are typically on scene within 90 minutes for death calls.

Q: Will you come to any hospital or hospice?
A: Yes. We accept transfers from hospitals, hospices, homes, and coroner or police locations.

Q: How many death certificates can I get?
A: As many as you need. The first certified copy is $21 and each additional certified copy is $4.

Q: Can we witness the cremation?
A: Yes. Families may witness cremations and we will explain your options when you make arrangements.

Q: Do you have urns available?
A: Yes. We have a good selection on site that you may choose from.

Final notes

We know this is an emotional and difficult time. American Heritage is available to help guide you through these first steps and to manage the details.

Call us at (432) 563-9767.