First Call Body Removal Equipment — Building the Right Kit

A professional first call operation is not built around a single piece of equipment — it is a system, and every element of that system must be selected and maintained with the same care. The mortuary cot is the centerpiece, but the kit that surrounds it determines how effectively your team can handle the full range of first call scenarios. Building the right kit from the start — rather than improvising additions as gaps become apparent — results in a safer, faster, and more professional first call operation from day one.

This guide walks through every component of a complete first call body removal kit. Start with the foundation: browse our mortuary cots and first call stretchers to anchor your kit.

Tier 1: Non-Negotiable Kit Components

These are the items that must be present on every first call, without exception. If any of these are missing, the call cannot be completed safely and professionally.

The Mortuary Cot

Your primary cot must be appropriate for the service area's typical case profile — appropriate weight rating, correct height adjustment range for residential and facility calls, and a fold-flat mechanism compatible with your removal vehicle. For standard US and Canadian funeral home operations, this means a cot rated to at least 500 pounds with a minimum height below 12 inches and a maximum height above 28 inches. Ensure you have a backup cot available for simultaneous calls or when the primary is being serviced.

Body Pouches — Multiple Sizes

Carry at least three body pouches on every first call: one standard adult, one large, and one bariatric. You cannot always predict case size from the initial call information, and arriving without an appropriate pouch creates a situation with no good resolution. Ensure pouches are not expired or compromised — inspect them at each restocking.

Cot Restraint Straps

A complete strap set — minimum two straps at the torso and lower body — must be on every cot before leaving the facility. Check straps before each call; replace worn or damaged straps immediately.

Personal Protective Equipment

At minimum: nitrile gloves (multiple pairs — you may need to change during the call), eye protection, face shield for potential splash exposure, and disposable gown. For residential calls: boot covers. For scene calls: full coveralls appropriate to the scene conditions.

Identification Supplies

Toe tags or wrist bands, permanent markers, and your removal authorization forms. Identification must be confirmed and applied at the scene — not left until you return to the facility.

Tier 2: Strongly Recommended Components

These items are not required on every call but will be needed regularly enough that having them in the kit prevents improvisation and potential problems.

Transfer Board or Slide Sheet

For lateral transfers from bed to cot, a transfer board or low-friction slide sheet significantly reduces the manual effort and injury risk involved. These accessories allow a single operator to accomplish transfers that might otherwise require two staff members.

Portable Lighting

Many residential first calls occur in poorly lit environments. A quality LED headlamp or handheld work light allows staff to work safely and professionally in any lighting condition. This is particularly important for overnight calls where room lighting may be minimal or unavailable.

Cot Cover or Draping

A clean, professional cot cover for transport through semi-public spaces is a dignity essential. Keep multiple covers in the vehicle — one in use, one clean spare. Replace soiled covers before each call.

Stair-Climbing Equipment

For multi-story residential calls without elevator access, a stair-climbing track system or powered stair climber dramatically reduces the difficulty and injury risk of descending stairs with a loaded cot. This is specialized equipment, but for operations in multi-family housing markets or older urban areas, it is a valuable addition to the kit.

Tier 3: Specialized Equipment for Specific Scenarios

Bariatric-Specific Equipment

Any operation that handles bariatric cases needs a dedicated bariatric cot, wider bariatric body pouches, and additional restraint equipment rated for higher loads. Explore our bariatric mortuary equipment for complementary storage solutions.

Hazmat and Decomposition Supplies

For operations handling decomposition cases, scene calls, or medical examiner contract work, a hazmat-level supply kit is essential: Tyvek coveralls, N95 or P100 respirators, double-layer gloves, sealed eye protection, and heavy-duty body pouches rated for decomposed remains. These are specialized supplies that should be stored separately from standard first call supplies.

Vehicle Configuration for Your Kit

How your removal vehicle is configured directly affects how efficiently your kit can be accessed and deployed. Best practices for vehicle kit organization:

• Cot stored with fold-flat undercarriage in the deployed position, ready to slide out and set up quickly
• PPE in a clearly labeled, accessible container near the vehicle entry point
• Body pouches in a dedicated storage area, sorted by size and accessible without disturbing other kit components
• Documentation supplies in a consistent, protected location that keeps forms clean and dry
• Accessories (straps, covers, positioning equipment) organized in separate labeled storage so nothing is mixed with soiled items

Facility Integration and Restocking Protocol

Every first call vehicle should be inspected and restocked after every call — not before the next one. The restocking protocol should be a checklist-based procedure that confirms every tier-1 item is present and in serviceable condition before the vehicle is returned to readiness status. Connect this restocking workflow to your receiving process at the facility: mortuary coolers, racking systems, and embalming tables should all be ready before the next intake arrives.

For regulatory guidance on facility equipment, the EPA SNAP refrigerant program and DOE equipment standards provide relevant compliance context.

Build Your Kit with American Mortuary Equipment

American Mortuary Equipment is a direct supplier of mortuary cots and first call equipment to funeral homes, hospitals, and ME offices across the United States and Canada. We offer transparent pricing, financing options, and ready-to-ship inventory for urgent needs. Call 1-888-792-9315 or visit our contact page to speak with a specialist about building the right kit for your operation. For Canadian funeral homes and ME offices, we ship across the border — contact us directly for shipping details. Additional guidance is available in our mortuary equipment planning guides. Rural funeral homes and coroner offices may also qualify for equipment funding through the USDA Rural Business Development Grant program.