What to prepare before the doctor arrives
(in the Czech republic)

 

• the deceased’s identity card
• insurance card
• birth and marriage certificates
• medical reports

The doctor who comes to certify the death will complete a “Deceased’s Examination Certificate” (List o prohlídce mrtvého) and make several copies. He will take the original away with him and give you copies for the funeral service. If the doctor orders an autopsy of the body he must complete the “Order for Medical Transport” (Příkaz ke zdravotnímu tarnsportu”) that is the last act paid by the medical insurance company.

* If the general practitioner can not be contacted call the LSPP (Lékařská služba první pomoci – First Aid Medical Service) also called pohotovost. In such case it is necessary to have prepared at home medical reports in which the doctor, who did not know the patient, can find the deceased’s sickness diagnosis and more easily then identify the cause of death.

If for some reason even a doctor from the pohotovost cannot come, call the Emergency Medical Service (Zdravotnická záchranná služba) – 155. When calling it is necessary to specify that it is an expected death. If the deceased died somewhere else than where he has his permanent residence, it is possible that the doctor will want to contact the police.

If there is any suspicion of suicide or a criminal act it is necessary to call the Police immediately after finding the dead body. In such cases do not handle the body in any way.