《一個人系列｜Funeral Planning #1：人在美國過世時的第一件事》
在美國，大部分人都不知道：如果家人突然過世，第一件事是什麼？要打911嗎？要聯絡殯儀館嗎？誰會開死亡證明？
其實，美國身後事流程與身份無關，真正影響流程的是：人在哪裡過世、誰來確認死亡（pronounce）、是否屬於意外或法醫案件。
一、人在醫院過世（最常見）
- 醫生確認死亡（pronounce death）
- 醫院準備死亡文件（Death Certificate 資料）
- 醫院詢問殯儀館
- 殯儀館接體
- 家屬安排火化或土葬
二、人在家過世
- 打911
- EMS確認死亡
- 通知縣法醫（Coroner）
- 法醫確認死因
- 殯儀館來接
三、意外或公共場所過世
需由警察與法醫介入，可能需解剖，之後才可放行。
四、身份不影響流程
Citizen、Green Card、Visa、Undocumented → 流程一致。
五、真正重要的是誰能簽字
Next of kin 或授權人（Authorized Agent）。
這是Funeral Planning系列的第一篇，後續會深入殯儀館選擇、火化土葬、墓園費用、死亡證書、Final Expense等。
One-Person Series｜Funeral Planning #1: What Happens First When Someone Passes Away in the U.S.?
Most people in the U.S.—including Americans—do not know what to do when a family member passes away.
The truth is simple: the process does not depend on immigration status.
It depends on where the death occurs and who pronounces the death.
1. Passing Away in a Hospital (Most Common)
- The doctor pronounces death.
- The hospital prepares the death certificate information.
- The hospital asks: “Which funeral home should we call?”
- The funeral home picks up the body.
- The family or authorized agent arranges cremation or burial.
2. Passing Away at Home
- Call 911.
- EMS (paramedics) arrive and confirm the death.
- The County Coroner/Medical Examiner is notified.
- The coroner determines the cause of death and decides whether an autopsy is needed.
- The body is released to the funeral home.
3. Passing Away in Public or in an Accident
If the death occurs in public, in an accident, or under unclear circumstances,
the police and coroner must investigate. An autopsy may be required before the body is released.
4. Immigration Status Does Not Affect the Process
Citizen, green card holder, visa holder, or undocumented—all follow the same legal process.
What matters is the location and circumstances of the death.
5. The Key Question: Who Has Legal Authority to Sign?
The most important factor is the legal next of kin or the authorized agent who can sign funeral-related documents.
This is the first chapter in the Funeral Planning series.
Future chapters will cover cremation vs. burial, choosing a funeral home, cemetery fees,
death certificates, and connecting the process with Final Expense planning.