Yaronse umuntu yapfuye, ari wenyene canke akiri umwana: ingene yoronka imfashanyo¶

Niba uherutse kuronka umuntu yapfuye, kandi uri ku bwawe, iyi page ni iyawe. Ni n’ivy’umwana, canke umuntu akuze ariko ararera umwana yakoze ivyo bintu. Yanditswe mu ntambwe ngufi kandi zoroshe kugira ngo ushobore kuyikurikiza naho umutwe wawe woba wumva ufise igihu.

Nta ngorane muri muri zo. Nta kibi mwakoze. Ntukeneye kuba umunyabute, kandi ntukeneye kuba uwutunganye.

Ikintu kimwe gusa gikeneye gushika ningoga, kandi ni ukuronka umuntu akuze canke uwuguhamagara kuri telefone. Inyuma y’ivyo, abandi bantu bazokwitwara kandi bakwitaho.

Ivyo ubikore ubu¶

1. Stay calm and stay safe. Take a slow breath. If you feel unsafe, or you smell gas or smoke, or there is any danger in the room, go outside first.
2. Hamagara ku nimero y’ivyihutirwa yo mu karere kawe (911 muri Amerika na Canada, 112 mu Bumwe bw’Uburayi bwose, 999 mu Bwongereza). Raba inomero z'ivyihutirwa page for other countries. Say, "I think someone has died. I need help."
3. Tell them where you are. Say the address, or say what you can see if you do not know it. Stay on the line.
4. Listen to the call taker. They may ask you to check if the person is breathing, or to open a door for the helpers. They will tell you what to do next, one step at a time.
5. Do not touch things or tidy up. You can stay near the person, or you can wait in another room. Both are fine.
6. Ask a grown up to come. A neighbour, relative, teacher, or friend can sit with you. You should not be alone for long.

That is all that is needed right now. You can read the rest of this page later, or ask someone to read it with you.

If you are a child or teenager reading this¶

Hello. You might be feeling scared, confused, or very quiet inside. All of that is okay. This is a very hard thing to see, and you did the right thing by looking for help.

Here is what to do, in plain steps:

1. Take a slow breath. In through your nose, out through your mouth. Do it three times.
2. Find a phone. Call your local emergency number. In the United States and Canada it is 911. In the European Union it is 112. In the United Kingdom it is 999.
3. Say this: "I think someone has died. I need help. My name is [your name]. I am at [your address]."
4. Keep the phone to your ear and answer the questions. If you do not know an answer, say, "I do not know." That is fine.
5. Open the front door if the call taker asks you to, so the helpers can come in. Then go back to a safe place.
6. Call a grown up you trust as well, such as a parent, an aunt, an uncle, a grandparent, a neighbour, or a teacher.

You are not in trouble. You did nothing wrong. It is not your fault that this happened. The people who come are there to help the person and to help you.

What if I am too scared to go in the room¶

You do not have to go back into the room. You can wait outside or in another room, or sit at the front door. Tell the call taker, "I am too scared to go back." They will understand.

What if I cannot find a phone¶

Knock on a neighbour's door and say, "Please help me. Someone has died in our home." If you are outside, ask any adult nearby. If you have no one, go to a shop, a pharmacy, or any place with grown ups and say the same thing.

What happens next for you¶

After you have called, helpers will come. A grown up will stay with you, and they may call your family or someone you know. You will not be asked to go through this alone.

It is normal to have lots of feelings in the next days. You might feel sad, mad, worried, or just tired. You might have trouble sleeping or want to stay close to your family.

You can tell a grown up you trust, such as a parent, teacher, or doctor, how you feel. If you want to talk to someone who is not at home, there are free helplines for young people in many countries, such as Childline in the United Kingdom, Kids Help Phone in Canada, and Kids Helpline in Australia.

Nta kibi uriko urakora .¶

When you find someone who has died, your body and mind may react strongly. You may feel frozen, sick, shaky, or strangely calm. You may cry or you may not cry.

You may feel angry or scared. None of these means you are doing it wrong.

You may also feel guilt, even though there is nothing you could have done. Please remember that finding someone does not mean you caused anything or missed anything. People die in many ways, and often there is no warning.

The only thing that needs to be done quickly is the first call. After that, you can take as long as you need. People will help you.

How to get help calmly when you are alone¶

If you are an adult on your own, such as a neighbour, a carer, a lodger, or a family member who found someone, you may feel the weight of everything on your shoulders. It helps to do small, clear steps.

Step 1: check that you are safe¶

Before anything else, look around quickly. If there is a gas smell, smoke, fire, a strange smell that makes you dizzy, or any sign of a break in, go outside first and call from there. If you suspect carbon monoxide, such as from a faulty heater or a car running in a garage, get fresh air straight away and tell the call taker. The guide to Umutekano w'umuyagankuba n'umuyagankuba explains the warning signs.

If you are alone and there are signs that someone else may have harmed the person, leave and call from a safe place. Your own safety comes first.

Intambwe ya 2: guhamagara no kuvuga mu nteruro ngufi¶

When the call is answered, a call taker will ask, "What is the address of the emergency." Give the address first. Then say what you found: "I found my neighbour in her bedroom. She is not breathing and she is cold."

You do not have to use medical words. Say what you see in plain language. If you are not sure whether the person is alive, say so. They will guide you.

Step 3: follow instructions¶

The call taker may ask you to check for breathing, or to start chest compressions. Do exactly as they say. They will count out loud and stay with you. If they tell you it is not necessary to start, you can stop and wait.

If you want to learn what CPR involves, the Ubuyobozi bwa CPR is written calmly, but you do not need it to make the call.

Step 4: unlock the door and turn on a light¶

If the door is locked, and you can do so safely, unlock it so help can come in. Turn on lights, especially at night. If you have a dog or cat, put it in another room.

Step 5: ask someone to come¶

Once the first call is made, call a friend, neighbour, or relative. You can say, "Something has happened and I need you here." You do not have to explain everything.

What to say to the dispatcher¶

Many people are afraid they will say the wrong thing. There is no wrong thing. Here are some examples you can use or adapt:

• "I found my friend and I think she has died."
• "My brother is on the floor and he is not moving. He is cold."
• "I am the neighbour. I let myself in because I had a key, and I found him in his chair."
• "I am a child. My grandpa is not waking up."

Then answer the questions as best you can. They often ask:

• What is the address
• What is your name and phone number
• How old is the person
• Is the person awake or breathing
• Is anyone else with you

If you do not know the person's age or name, say, "I do not know." If you are a visitor and do not know the address, look for a letter, a street sign, or ask a neighbour. You can also tell the call taker what you can see around you.

If you cannot speak or do not speak the local language¶

Many emergency services can connect you with an interpreter. Say your language clearly, or say "interpreter". If you cannot speak at all, stay on the line. In some countries you can send a text to emergency services, and the inomero z'ivyihutirwa page explains how.

If you are not sure whether the person is dead¶

You do not have to decide. You can say, "I do not know if she is alive." The call taker will guide you. In many situations they will ask you to check for breathing and, if needed, to start chest compressions. If a person is cold, stiff, or has clearly been dead for some time, the call taker will tell you that CPR is not needed.

What to touch, and what to leave alone¶

Your instinct may be to cover the person, tidy the room, or move something. It is natural to want to care for them. A few simple guidelines can help.

If you have already touched something, tell the crew. That is all they need. They know that people do natural things in shock.

Phones and messages¶

Do not send photos or details of what you found to anyone. This protects the person's dignity and the family. If you need to tell people, ask the professionals when it is a good time and what to say.

A flow for finding someone who has died¶

flowchart TD
    A["You find someone who may have died"] --> B{"Is the room safe"}
    B -->|"Oya"| C["Go outside and call from there"]
    B -->|"Ego"| D["Hamagara inomero y'ivyihutirwa yo mu karere kawe"]
    C --> D
    D --> E["Say what you see and give the address"]
    E --> F{"Does the call taker ask for CPR"}
    F -->|"Ego"| G["Follow instructions step by step"]
    F -->|"Oya"| H["Wait on the line and open the door"]
    G --> I["Helpers arrive and take over"]
    H --> I
    I --> J["A trusted adult comes to sit with you"]
    J --> K["You rest and are looked after"]

When a child discovers a death¶

If you are the adult responsible for a child who has found someone who has died, or who was nearby, your calm presence matters more than anything you say. Children take their cue from the adults around them. If you are steady and gentle, they will feel safer.

First, get the child away from the scene¶

If the child is still in the room, gently lead them out. Say, "Let us go and sit in the other room together. I will stay with you." Choose a place with a sofa, a blanket, and something to hold. Stay close.

Do not leave them alone while you deal with the emergency. If you must make the phone call, ask another adult to stay with the child, or call from the same room with the child beside you.

Tell the truth in a simple way¶

Children do better with a simple, honest explanation than with a vague one. Avoid saying "gone to sleep" or "we lost him". These can frighten children and confuse them about sleep or being lost.

Try words like: "Grandpa has died. That means his body has stopped working and he cannot come back. It is not your fault. The helpers are coming to look after him, and I am here with you."

The guide to kubwira abana n'imiyabaga ivy'urupfu has more words for different ages.

Let the child react in their own way¶

Some children cry. Some ask lots of questions. Some seem fine and run off to play. Some go quiet.

All of these are normal, and children often move in and out of sadness. Do not tell them how to feel. You can say, "Whatever you are feeling is okay."

Ivyo kwirinda¶

• Do not say that it was their fault or that they should have noticed.
• Ntubasabe kudondora ivyo babonye mu buryo burambuye.
• Ntubabwire ngo bagire intwari canke ngo bareke kurira.
• Do not let them be alone in the room or in the house.
• Do not let them hear graphic details from other adults.

Keep routines gentle¶

Offer a drink and a snack. If the helpers need to speak with the child, stay beside them and let them know they can say "I do not want to talk." Police and paramedics are used to speaking gently with children, and many will kneel down and use simple words.

Who can support the child¶

A trusted adult such as a parent, grandparent, teacher, or family friend should stay with the child in the hours that follow. If the child saw something frightening, tell their doctor, school counsellor, or a children's bereavement service. Many countries have free child bereavement services, and a doctor or school can help you find them.

What happens when helpers arrive¶

Paramedics and police will come in and look after the person with care. They may check if anything can be done. They may speak quietly and ask you some simple questions. They are kind and used to being with people at difficult times.

If you are a child, a grown up will probably stay with you. You can ask, "Can I stay with you." You can say, "I do not want to answer more questions right now." They will understand.

In most countries, police attend a sudden death, and this is a routine step. It does not mean you did anything wrong. You can find more detail in the guide on a uwo mu muryango yapfuye ijoro ryose muhira ataco yiteze.

If you found a stranger or a neighbour¶

If you found someone you do not know well, such as a neighbour, a customer, a stranger on a walk, or a person in a public place, the steps are the same. Call the emergency number, stay safe, and give the call taker the exact location. Do not move the person. Stay on the line, and wait for help to arrive if it is safe.

You may want to leave afterwards. Police may ask for your name and a short statement. It is fine to say you are upset and ask for a moment. If you feel shaken afterwards, speak to a friend or a doctor.

If you could not reach someone and went to check¶

Many people find a person who has died after they have not answered the phone or the door for a while. If you are worried about someone, you can ask the police for a welfare check by calling your local non-emergency number, or the emergency number if you believe they are in danger. Officers can enter the home safely and look after the person, and you do not have to go in alone.

If you decide to go in yourself, for example with a key, tell another person where you are going and keep your phone in your hand. Call out the person's name as you enter. If you find them and you think they have died, step back, call the emergency number from where you are standing, and wait for help if you can do so safely.

You may feel guilt about not checking sooner. It is a very common feeling, and it does not mean you failed. Most people cannot predict a sudden death, and caring about someone does not mean being there every hour.

If you are a carer or visitor who found a client or relative¶

Home carers, nurses, cleaners, delivery drivers, and visitors sometimes find a person who has died. If this happens to you at work, call the emergency number first, then tell your employer or agency. You are not expected to deal with this on your own, and you should not be left alone afterwards.

Write down the time you arrived, what you saw, and who you called. Keep your notes short and factual. Ask your employer about a debrief, counselling, or a support line, because many workplaces offer these. If they do not, you can ask your doctor.

You may be asked to give a statement. It is fine to say you are shaken and ask for a short break. You can also ask for a colleague or friend to be with you.

Common worries, answered gently¶

"I did not feel anything, and I am worried that means something is wrong with me." Numbness is one of the most common reactions. Your mind is protecting you while you take in what happened. Feelings often arrive later, sometimes in waves.

"I laughed, or I felt angry." Strong and surprising reactions happen in shock. They do not mean you did not care.

"I keep seeing it in my mind." Intrusive pictures are common in the first days and usually fade. Talking to someone, keeping a gentle routine, and sleeping when you can all help. If the images are still strong after about a month, speak to your doctor.

"I want to go back and see the person." Many people do. Ask the funeral director or the coroner's office whether and when a visit is possible. You can bring a trusted person with you.

"What if the person was someone I did not know well?" You can still feel affected. It is natural to feel upset by a death you witnessed, even if the person was a stranger.

When to ask for more help¶

Contact your doctor, a counsellor, or a support line if, after a couple of weeks, you cannot sleep, cannot stop thinking about it, are avoiding places or people, feel constantly on edge, or are using alcohol or drugs to cope. These are not signs of weakness. They are signs that your mind could use extra support, and help is effective.

Looking after yourself after finding someone¶

Finding someone who has died can stay with you in your mind, and it can come back in dreams or sudden memories. This is common. Many people find that it gets softer over time, but it can take weeks.

In the first hours:

• Sit down and sip some water.
• Wrap up warm if you feel cold.
• Eat something small if you can.
• Humeka buhoro buhoro, n’impwemu ndende usohotse.
• Stay with someone you trust.
• Let yourself cry or not cry.

In the days after:

• Try to keep to a gentle routine of meals and sleep.
• Talk to someone about what you saw, if you want to. You do not have to.
• Avoid alcohol and drugs to numb the feelings.
• Take a few days off work or school if you can.
• Speak to your doctor if you have nightmares, panic, or cannot stop picturing the scene for more than a few weeks.

The guide to kwitaho mu gahinda gakomeye has more detail on physical symptoms, sleep, and when to seek help.

If you feel you cannot go on¶

If you ever feel that you cannot bear this, or you have thoughts of harming yourself, tell someone right away. Call your local emergency number, or a crisis line such as 988 in the United States and Canada. The inomero z'ivyihutirwa page lists crisis lines for other countries. You can also read the guide on mental health crisis.

For adults looking after a child who is alone¶

Sometimes a child is alone in the home with the person who has died, for example a child whose parent was ill. If you are a neighbour, teacher, relative, or professional who learns of this, here is how to help.

1. Go to the child if it is safe, and speak calmly.
2. Call the emergency number and tell them a child is present.
3. Stay with the child until a family member or social worker arrives.
4. Do not ask for details of what the child saw.
5. Let the child have a favourite toy or blanket.
6. Tell the child who is coming and what will happen next.

If you are worried about a child's safety or who will care for them, tell the police or child protection services. In many countries there is a child welfare line, and the emergency services can contact it for you.

Ubutandukane hakurikijwe igihugu¶

These notes are general. Check locally for details.

Muri Leta Zunze Ubumwe za Amerika .¶

Call 911. Police and paramedics attend. A coroner or medical examiner may become involved.

Child protective services may be contacted if a child is alone, as a way of making sure the child has a safe adult. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available by phone or text if you are struggling.

Mu Bwongereza¶

Call 999. Police and ambulance attend a sudden death. Victim Support and Samaritans offer free emotional support, and Cruse Bereavement Support helps after a death. Children can call Childline for free.

Muri Kanada¶

Call 911. Police and paramedics attend, and a coroner or medical examiner may be involved. Kids Help Phone offers free support for young people, and 988 is the suicide crisis line.

Muri Ostraliya¶

Call 000. Police attend and act for the coroner. Kids Helpline offers free support for young people, and Lifeline supports adults in crisis.

Mu bindi bihugu .¶

Mu inomero z'ivyihutirwa page lists numbers by country. If you are a visitor, your embassy or consulate can help with next steps and with contacting family.

Ikete ku mahugurwa y'ubutabazi bwa mbere¶

A hands-on first aid course from the Red Cross, St John Ambulance, or a local provider can build confidence in a real emergency. Many schools and workplaces offer them. There is no need to do anything today, and nobody should feel they must be prepared for something like this.

Ibibazo bikunda kubazwa¶

Do I have to call the emergency number if I am sure the person has died?¶

Egome. Urupfu rw’igihe gito rutegerezwa kumenyeshwa, kandi inomero y’ivyihutirwa ni yo nzira yo kubigira. Uwuguhamagara azorungika imfashanyo yigishijwe, kandi barashobora no kukubwira nimba CPR ikenewe. Guhamagara ningoga ni ikintu ciza kandi c’icubahiro.

What should a child say when they call the emergency number?¶

A child can say, "I think someone has died. I need help. My name is [name] and I am at [address]." They should stay on the line and answer questions as best they can. It is fine to say "I do not know" and to ask for a grown up to come.

None noreka umwana akabona uwo muntu yapfuye?¶

Choices depend on the child, the situation, and what you are able to support. If the child has already seen the person, stay close and answer questions honestly and simply. If they have not, it is usually kinder to wait and decide later with a calm adult beside them, and the children's guide to talking about death can help.

Will the police think I did something wrong?¶

No. Police attend sudden deaths as a routine part of helping the coroner. They will ask simple questions about who you are and what you found. Answer honestly, say if you are upset, and ask for a trusted person to sit with you.

Amasoko yasuzumwe¶

• NHS (United Kingdom): guidance on what to do when someone dies and on bereavement support.
• GOV.UK (United Kingdom): guidance on deaths reported to a coroner.
• Red Cross (American Red Cross, British Red Cross): guidance on supporting children and families after a death.
• American Heart Association (United States): guidance for bystanders and emergency call takers.
• Government of Canada and provincial coroner services: reporting a death.
• Australian Government and state coroner information: reporting a death.
• National Alliance for Children's Grief (United States) and Winston's Wish (United Kingdom): supporting children who have experienced a death.
• 988 Ukwiyahura n’Ingorane (Leta Zunze Ubumwe za Amerika na Kanada), Abasamariya (Ubwongereza), n’Ubuzima (Ostraliya).

Procedures differ by country and region. Follow the instructions of the call taker and local officials.

Inyobora zifitaniye isano¶

• Family member died overnight at home unexpectedly
• Kubwira abana n'imiyabaga ivy'urupfu
• Kwitaho mu gahinda gakomeye
• First hours and days after a death at home
• Ubuyobozi bwa CPR