You’ve seen it in films and on TV. Detectives and crime scene investigators flood a scene to search for evidence and eventually solve the case. However, do you have an idea of what happens in real life? Who are the individuals 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. Investigators might leave forensic chemicals that might be tough to get rid of. After forensic investigators and coroners drive away, the aftermath needs biohazard remediation.
Although there are many reasons for a cleanup, here are examples of events that might require biohazard cleanup:
- Assault or homicide/murder
- Vehicular crashes
- 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 might be common bloodborne pathogens like HIV or hepatitis. This is just one of the reasons the specialists are called.
There are restoration companies that provide biohazard cleanup services. These might also be remediation specialists that fix water damage in Northbrook, IL. Their technicians are trained to be meticulous in every task they take on. They can ensure that they can restore any location to its pre-event condition.
Working With Care and Respect
Most of these scenarios are emotionally charged. Some may need the sensitivity and empathy required in difficult times. Professionals work discreetly and treat each location with respect, even more so when death is involved, for both the deceased and the surviving family members.
Focusing on Safety
All workers charged with a crime scene 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 workers to get vaccinations or prophylactic medication for further protection.
Following Procedures
Equipped with their tools and cleaning products, they clean blood stains and splatters and move coagulated bodily fluids and other remains in proper disposal containers. All hazardous materials and contaminated items, such as carpets and mattresses, are eliminated, transported, and disposed of properly per regulations set by the state or country.
Cleaning Extensively
These experts likewise use hospital and industrial-grade solutions and solvents to remove even dried blood and eliminate the pathogens that might remain. They clean scenes systematically from top to bottom to avoid cross-contamination. After the affected areas are cleaned up, they may be checked with adenosine triphosphate (ATP) fluorescence. This is to measure if the sanitation level is sufficient.
Aside from cleaning and disinfection, ventilation and deodorization are likewise part of the process. This is needed to make sure there are 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 just recently lost someone. If left without the proper treatment, a trauma scene may cause health and safety issues in the future. It involves careful thought and experienced manpower to ensure that a scene will be restored to its original state. In scenarios like these, do not reconsider and call the specialists for remediation.
