Found someone who has died, alone or as a child: how to get help¶

If you have just found someone who has died, and you are on your own, this page is for you. It is also for a child, or for the adult who is looking after a child who has made this discovery. It is written in short, simple steps so that you can follow it even when your head feels foggy.

You are not in trouble. You have not done anything wrong. You do not need to be brave, and you do not need to be perfect.

Only one thing needs to happen quickly, and that is getting a grown up or a call taker on the phone. After that, other people will take over and look after you.

現在就這樣做¶

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. 撥打您當地的緊急電話號碼（美國和加拿大為 911，歐盟地區為 112，英國為 999）。請參閱 緊急號碼 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.

你沒有做錯任何事¶

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.

唯一需要快速完成的事情就是第一次通話。之後，您可以根據需要花多長時間。人們會幫助你。

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 發電機安全和一氧化碳 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.

Step 2: call and speak in short sentences¶

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 心肺復甦術指南 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¶

許多緊急服務可以為您聯繫口譯員。清楚地說出您的語言，或說「口譯員」。如果您根本無法說話，請保持通話。在某些國家/地區，您可以向緊急服務部門發送短信， 緊急號碼 頁面解釋如何操作。

如果您不確定此人是否已死亡¶

您不必做出決定。你可以說：「我不知道她是否還活著。」接聽電話的人會指導您。在許多情況下，他們會要求您檢查呼吸，並在需要時開始胸部按壓。如果一個人感到寒冷、僵硬或明顯已經死亡一段時間，接線員會告訴您不需要進行心肺復甦術。

什麼該碰，什麼該留著¶

你的本能可能是掩護那個人、整理房間或移動某些東西。想要照顧他們是很自然的。一些簡單的指導方針可以提供幫助。

如果您已經觸摸過某些東西，請告訴工作人員。這就是他們所需要的。他們知道人們在震驚中會做出自然的事。

電話和訊息¶

請勿將您發現的照片或詳細資訊發送給任何人。這保護了人的尊嚴和家庭。如果您需要告訴別人，請詢問專業人士何時合適以及該說什麼。

尋找死者的流程¶

flowchart TD
    A["你發現一個可能已經死了的人"] --> B{"房間安全嗎"}
    B -->|"否"| C["走到外面並從那裡打電話"]
    B -->|"是的"| D["撥打您當地的緊急電話號碼"]
    C --> D
    D --> E["說出你所看到的並給出地址"]
    E --> F{"接線員是否要求進行心肺復甦術"}
    F -->|"是的"| G["按照說明一步一步操作"]
    F -->|"否"| H["排隊等候並開門"]
    G --> I["助手到達並接管"]
    H --> I
    I --> J["一個值得信賴的成年人來和你坐在一起"]
    J --> K["您休息並受到照顧"]

當孩子發現死亡時¶

如果您是成年人，負責照顧一個發現死者或在附近的人的孩子，那麼您的冷靜比您所說的任何話都重要。孩子們會從周圍成年人那裡得到暗示。如果你穩重、溫柔，他們會感覺更安全。

首先，帶孩子離開現場¶

如果孩子還在房間裡，輕輕地把他們帶出去。說：「我們一起去另一個房間坐吧。我陪你。」選擇一個有沙發、毯子和可以拿東西的地方。保持靠近。

在處理緊急情況時，不要讓他們獨自一人。如果您必須打電話，請讓另一位成人與孩子在一起，或與孩子在同一個房間打電話。

用簡單的方式說出真相¶

孩子接受簡單、誠實的解釋比接受模糊的解釋效果更好。避免說「睡著了」或「我們失去了他」。這些可能會嚇到孩子，讓他們對睡眠或迷路感到困惑。

試著這樣說：“爺爺去世了。這意味著他的身體已經停止工作，他不能回來了。這不是你的錯。幫手們會來照顧他，我會和你在一起。”

The guide to 告訴兒童和青少年死亡事件 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."

What to avoid¶

• Do not say that it was their fault or that they should have noticed.
• Do not ask them to describe what they saw in detail.
• Do not tell them to be brave or to stop crying.
• Do not let them be alone in the room or in the house.
• 不要讓他們聽到其他成年人的生動細節。

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 family member who died overnight at home unexpectedly。

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.
• Breathe slowly, with a long breath out.
• 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.
• 如果您願意，可以與某人談論您所看到的事情。你不必這樣做。
• 避免酒精和藥物來麻痺感情。
• 如果可以的話，請假幾天去上班或上學。
• 如果您做惡夢、驚慌或在幾週內無法停止想像該場景，請諮詢您的醫生。

The guide to 在極度悲傷中照顧自己 有關身體症狀、睡眠以及何時尋求幫助的更多詳細資訊。

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 緊急號碼 page lists crisis lines for other countries. You can also read the guide on mental health crisis。

對於照顧獨居兒童的成年人¶

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. 撥打緊急電話並告訴他們有孩子在場。
3. Stay with the child until a family member or social worker arrives.
4. 不要詢問孩子所看到的細節。
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.

各國差異¶

These notes are general. Check locally for details.

在美國¶

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.

在英國¶

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.

在加拿大¶

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.

在澳大利亞¶

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

在其他國家¶

的 緊急號碼 page lists numbers by country. If you are a visitor, your embassy or consulate can help with next steps and with contacting family.

急救訓練注意事項¶

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.

常見問題¶

如果我確定該人已經死亡，我是否必須撥打緊急電話號碼？¶

Yes. A sudden death must be reported, and the emergency number is the way to do that. The call taker will send trained help, and they can also tell you whether CPR is needed. Calling quickly is the right and respectful thing to do.

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.

Should I let a child see the person who has died?¶

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.

來源已檢查¶

• 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 自殺與危機生命線（美國和加拿大）、撒瑪利亞人（英國）和生命線（澳洲）。

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

相關指南¶

• Family member died overnight at home unexpectedly
• 告訴兒童和青少年死亡事件
• 在極度悲傷中照顧自己
• 在家中死亡後的最初幾小時和幾天
• 心肺復甦術指南