MDs must help eliminate 911 calls after "expected" home deaths, medical examiner advises

More and more Canadians are choosing to die at home. Unfortunately, family members may not know how to respond when death does occur. Some call 911 seeking advice, and soon find police, ambulance and fire services arriving at their door. If calls are made before terminal patients die, they may even be rushed to hospital for emergency care. The wasted energy wastes money and creates additional stress. Dr. John Butt, Nova Scotia's chief medical examiner, says physicians must help educate the public and emergency services about how to respond after an expected death occurs at home.