You’ve seen it in movies and on television. Detectives and crime scene investigators flood a scene to look for evidence and eventually solve the case. However, do you have an idea of what happens in real life? Who are the people that are involved in these situations?
What are these trauma scenes?
Trauma or crime scenes are defined as locations contaminated with blood, tissue, and other bodily fluids. On top of that, investigators may leave forensic chemicals that may be hard to remove. When forensic investigators and coroners drive away, the aftermath requires biohazard remediation.
Although there are many reasons for a cleanup, here are examples of events that may require biohazard cleanup:
- Assault or homicide/murder
- Vehicular collisions
- Suicide
- Mass trauma such as tear gassing or tragic disasters
- Discovery of a decomposing body
- Industrial accidents and deaths
Why call the professionals?
Any contamination may seriously threaten the health and safety of those who come into contact. These health hazards may be common bloodborne pathogens like HIV or hepatitis. This is just one of the reasons the professionals are called.
There are restoration companies that offer biohazard cleanup services. These may also be experts that do water damage restoration in Glenview. Their technicians are trained to be meticulous in every job they take. They can guarantee that they can restore any location to its pre-event condition.
Working With Care and Respect
Most of these situations are emotionally charged. Some may need the sensitivity and empathy required in tough times. Professionals work discreetly and treat each location with respect, especially when death is involved, for both the deceased and the surviving relatives.
Focusing on Safety
All workers tasked with the cleanup wear personal protective equipment (PPE). This consists of non-porous suits and accessories like goggles, gloves, respiratory masks, etc. Aside from complete gear, the companies may require their employees to get vaccinations or prophylactic medication for further protection.
Following Processes
Equipped with their tools and cleaning supplies, they clean blood stains and splatters and transfer coagulated bodily fluids and other remains in proper disposal containers. All hazardous materials and items contaminated, such as carpets and mattresses, are removed, transported, and disposed of properly per regulations set by the state or country. For example, those who do biohazard cleanup in Northbrook, IL, will only move the hazmat wastes to the assigned facilities in the area.
Cleaning Extensively
These experts also use hospital and industrial-grade solutions and solvents to remove even dried blood and kill the pathogens that may linger. They clean scenes systematically from top to bottom to avoid cross-contamination. After the affected areas are cleaned, they may be tested with adenosine triphosphate (ATP) fluorescence. This is to measure if the sanitation level is satisfactory.
Aside from cleaning and disinfection, ventilation and deodorization are also part of the process. This is necessary to ensure no lingering smells.
The Bottomline
Trauma or crime scene cleanup is not a task for amateurs, nor is it to be given to the family who recently lost someone. If left without the proper treatment, a trauma scene may cause health and safety problems in the near future. It involves careful thought and experienced manpower to ensure that a scene will be restored to its original state. In situations like these, do not think twice and call the experts for remediation.
