Getting over the death of a loved one is never easy and less so when it is a case of suicide. Surviving family members are not only left with a deep sense of loss but also a weight of guilt on their shoulders. However hard it is though, it is imperative that the family members make provisions for suicide scene cleanup. This can either be carried out by the family members and loved ones or by professional crime scene cleaners. It is however highly advised that you seek out the professionals in times like this.
In carrying out a suicide scene cleanup, there are certain steps that should be employed to ensure a job well done. But first, you must first consider the state in which the dead body lies.
An Unnoticed Suicide
As sad as it might sound, there are times when a suicide might go unnoticed for a long period of time. This is a very hard situation for everyone involved – the bereaved family and the cleanup crew. A suicide gone unnoticed for some time would mean that there is a decomposing body somewhere in the property. This poses a different type of challenges for whoever is supposed to carry out the suicide scene cleanup.
In a case where suicide has gone unnoticed, the steps taken to remediate the scene of the incident would include the removal of contaminated materials and an elimination of the stomach curling odor that would be emanating from the dead decomposing body.
Getting Rid of the Contaminated Materials
The first order of business in matters such as a suicide scene cleanup would be to remove the decomposing body itself. This, however, is normally carried out by the authorities concerned – the coroners’ office – so that further inspection can be carried out.
After this is done, steps would then be taken to ensure that all materials that have come in contact with the deceased’s blood, bodily fluids, or tissues be either remediated or completely thrown out. Handling materials such as these are considered highly risky and as such, should be left to professionals who have a knowledge of bloodborne pathogens and how to handle them.
Getting Rid of the Smell
When a suicide goes unnoticed, and the body has gone far along in the stages of decomposition, there is bound to be the unpleasant odor that emanates from the activities of microorganisms that are feeding off the dead body.
This smell is usually strong and could be perceived from great distances. It is almost impossible for anyone to live in the same scene that contains a decomposing body.
In the course of cleaning up the death scene, some of this smell is removed but not all of it. The professionals, after the cleanup, use their specialized tools and equipment such as foggers and ozone machines to eliminate any remaining lingering smell.
Suicide scenes usually tend not to be a messy deal, but that doesn’t mean cleaning up after your beloved one is a good idea. These are for reasons such as the preservation of your emotional, psychological, and physical wellbeing. So call on a professional today and let your healing process begin.