Before the deceased is removed from the place of death, what should be placed on the ankle?

Placing a funeral home tag on the ankle of the deceased before removal serves as a method of identification that is crucial for maintaining accurate records throughout the funeral and cremation process. This tag typically includes important information such as the deceased’s name, date of birth, and any other relevant details that help ensure that the individual is correctly identified at every stage of handling, transportation, and final disposition.

Using a funeral home tag is essential for preventing any mix-ups, which is particularly important when there are multiple cases being handled simultaneously. It acts as a primary identification measure until further documentation can be obtained or created, such as the death certificate or burial permit.

In contrast, personal identification wristbands and other options like a burial permit or inventory list may play important roles later in the process, but the immediate step needed prior to removal from the place of death is the application of a clear, durable identification tag directly on the body. This ensures that the deceased is treated with dignity and respect while also safeguarding the integrity of the funeral process.