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Q2. When does the Coroner become
involved and why?
A. The Coroner is involved
when:
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The death is the result of violence
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The death is the result from other than
natural causes
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The cause of death is unknown
-
The deceased was a prisoner or in legal
custody
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The deceased was an involuntary inmate in a
mental institution
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The deceased persons normal Doctor can not
legally write a cause of death certificate
The Coroner is normally a Magistrate who has been
appointed to protect the general public from criminal activity. Just
because the Coroner is involved it does not necessarily mean that the death has
been caused by nefarious activity. In many occasions the Coroner will find
that the cause of death was from natural causes.
Q3. What happens in the case of an
Autopsy?
A. It is often devastating to learn
that your loved one will be required to have an Autopsy. However, it is a legal
requirement that the Coroner makes all efforts to establish the actual cause of
death.
For medical reasons you may also be asked
permission for the hospital to perform an autopsy. In this case the choice
is yours. It is strongly suggested that before any decision is made the
subject is discussed fully with your Doctor and other family members.
Q4. Will the funeral be held up if
the Coroner is involved?
A. NO. Under
normal circumstances the deceased will be released from the Coroners care within
24 hours. However, blood and tissue samples may be retained by the Coroner
for further testing.
Q5. Can I obtain a copy of the
Coroners Report?
A. YES.
Providing you are a close relative of the deceased a written copy of the report
can be applied for from the Coroner. This report is very detailed and may
be quite disturbing in some instances, it is suggested that you make an
appointment with your local Doctor if you need the medical terminology
explained. Nevertheless, you can also ask for an appointment to discuss
the report with the Coroner and the forensic pathologist.
Q6. When should the funeral
arrangements be made and who can make them?
A. The funeral arrangements can be
made at any time after the death has occurred. Normally the funeral is
arranged by a close family member. However, frequently the funeral
arrangements are made with a friend or an officer from the Public Trust.
Q7. When should the funeral take
place?
A. The funeral can take place at any
time after the death has occurred. There are many types of funeral
services for Cremations or Burials. The actual timing for the funeral is
not important. Often a funeral is held several days or weeks after the
death. This may be to allow a relative or friend to arrive from overseas
or for other cultural requirements. Talk to one of our consultants about
your particular needs.
Q8. What happens about organ
donations?
A. If your loved one has been
certified brain dead, a Doctor may request that some organs be donated so
another persons life may continue. The timing of this question is never
appropriate and the decision is not easy. Ask the Doctor to fully explain
what is happening and why. It is frequently best to discuss this decision
with other family members.
Q9. Is it true that several people
are cremated in the same cremator at the same time?
A. In Australia this NEVER happens.
Only ONE coffin can fit into a cremator at a time.
Q10. Will the ashes that I get back
really be my loved ones?
A. Yes 100% guaranteed. There
are many checks and balances relating to the cremation of human remains and ALL
crematoriums go to great lengths to ensure that ashes do not get mixed.
Q11. Can I request a viewing of my
loved one?
A. Yes a viewing in many cases is
very beneficial for all who take part. A viewing may take place in our specially
appointed viewing room, at the Crematorium, in the Church with the permission of
the clergy, and at the family home.
Q12. Can I have a cardboard coffin?
A. Yes cardboard coffins are
available. However, a raw particle board coffin that has been made from
forestry thinning is cheaper and more substantial.
Q13. Where can I hold a funeral
service.
A. The traditional places for a
funeral service are the Church, Crematorium and Cemetery. However, we offer many
other choices.
Q14. Do we have to have a clergy or
a celebrant to officiate at the funeral?
A. NO. Any one can
officiate at a funeral service, there is no legal requirement to use the
services of a Celebrant or a Clergy.
Q15. What FREE services do
Australian Academy and Polynesian Funerals offer?
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A1. The opportunity to come to
our well appointed facilities and wash and dress your loved one
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2. The opportunity to assist in
placing your loved one in his, her coffin or casket.
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3. The opportunity to travel in
the hearse to the funeral
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4. Holding the deceased for up to
3 weeks
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5. The transfer of the deceased
from the place of death anywhere within the Brisbane, Sunshine and Gold
Coast areas during normal business hours. 8:30 Am to 5:00 Pm
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6. Taking photographs with family
cameras
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7. Up to 4 International, 4
National and 6 local Faxes to assist with Visa applications or Airline
bookings, and confirmation of a funeral for an employer.
Q16. What other services are
available?
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A1. Arranging to have foot and
hand prints made for children.
2. Arranging a professional videograpgher to video the funeral
3. Arrange for a professional photographer to photograph the
funeral
4. Arranging online memorialisation with Remember-me.com.au
5. Arrange for brass memorial plaques
6. Placing funeral notices in local, Inter-State and overseas
newspapers
Q17.
What To Do and Who To
Notify After A Death Has Occurred - Click
here
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