What Is Involved in Professional Cleanup After an Unattended Death?

https://medtechcleaners.com/2018/10/what-are-the-most-common-bloodborne-pathogens/One of the biohazard and trauma cleanup services we offer is related to unattended death.  This is a catch-all category, because it can include someone passing away from natural causes, a disease, criminal activity, or suicide.  The common factor? The death occurred when no one was around to know it happened. This fact can create problems.

The first to address may be the emotional trauma of the deceased’s friends or family.  Suffering a death from the loss of a loved one is difficult, but when you are not present or not even aware it has occurred until afterward, the emotional impact can be even worse.  So our first task when called upon to provide cleanup in the aftermath of an unattended death is for those living.  Our trauma counselors first want to make sure that those left behind have the care and resources to process what has happened.

The next step is cleanup and restoration of the area where the death occurred, and this is where quick response is important. (We are on call 24/7, 365 days of the year, because we recognize the need to take care of a situation like this as soon as possible.)

Depending on a variety of elements, including temperature, a human body will begin to decompose somewhere between 24-72 hours. Decomposition is a natural process, but it can release toxins into the surrounding area. Decomposition is brought about by bacteria, and that is what produces the characteristic smell associated with a dead body.

Some of that release can happen immediately upon death as bladder and bowel sphincter muscles cease working and urine and feces are released.  Some deaths result in large amounts of blood.  Bodily fluids can themselves be contaminated with toxins, but their very presence will attract other threats – insects, rodents, bacteria and more. Blood can be especially hazardous, because in addition to bacteria, blood may also be contaminated due to the health issues of the deceased (HIV, hepatitis, and more).

Bodily fluids can seep into anything porous – carpeting, wood, bedding, mattresses, and more. Because of that, surface cleaning is not enough.  Carpeting must be removed, and at times even the wood underfloor must be replaced.  Some harmful bacteria can live for extended time periods in porous surfaces, and often the best way to get rid of the bacteria is to get rid of the material.

Once the body is removed, we get to work to thoroughly clean, disinfect, and restore the property to a livable condition.  Household cleaners are usually insufficient for this task, and that’s why we don’t recommend you attempt post-death cleanup yourself.  Plus, there are regulations regarding the disposal of toxic waste (i.e., materials contaminated with bodily fluids) which the general public is most likely unaware of.

Once we are satisfied that our remediation techs have cleared the area of biohazards (substances that are harmful to health), we move on to repair of any physical damage and restoration of the property.

One further service we offer is that we work with any insurance company involved. And we will cover your deductible.  Dealing with death is traumatic enough, so we do what we can to lessen the burden for you.  And we will do so in a respectful and discreet manner, having compassion on those we serve.  We understand that there is a need for this service, but we also realize those we serve are living, breathing, grieving human beings.  We are here to help you through this difficult process.

MedTech offers unattended death cleanup and other trauma-related remediation services in the Seattle and Spokane, Washington areas, as well as other communities in the Pacific Northwest.  If we may be of assistance to you, please contact us via phone (877) 691-6706 or email [email protected].

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Supporting Washington State Patrol “Shop with a Cop”: Just One Way Our Biohazard Cleaning Company Gives Back Locally

Young girl on shopping trip with Washington State Trooper in Shop with a Cop program

At our Spokane-based biohazard and trauma cleanup company, we do a lot more than cleaning. Giving back where we can is also part of our mission. We recognize that in spite of the industry we are a part of, that often deals with the more negative aspects of life, there are good things we have the opportunity to get involved with.  We are very thankful for all we have, and when we find the chance to give back in a manner that can have an impact on our local area, we do. 

One program we have chosen to support year after year is the “Shop with a Cop” program through the Washington State Troopers Association.  “Shop with a Cop” is a nationwide movement that partners children from low income families  with local law enforcement and other first responder entities such as police departments and state patrols as well as fire fighters. 

For us, this program is a natural fit.  We’ve been serving Washington State law enforcement agencies for over 25 years as crime scene cleanup professionals, so it’s nice to be able to do something more positive for those who do so much to protect our communities. 

Since we serve a number of areas around Washington State, we’ve decided to donate to the State Patrol rather than any particular city unit.  And year after year we feel so gratified when we see the pictures and videos of these excited kids going out with their first responder buddy shoppers to choose something special for themselves.  The gifts are then purchased by the law enforcement shoppers and wrapped.  (The stores selected for the shopping events usually donate the wrapping materials and services.) 

If you’d like to help with funding a  “Shop with a Cop” event, check with your local law enforcement or fire fighting agency to see what’s available.

Shown on this page are photos from recent shopping trips (photos courtesy of NewsRadio 560KPQ).


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Safely Cleaning Up Blood: Tips for Business Owners

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In this post we’ll cover a topic they probably don’t handle in an MBA program: safe blood cleanup.  While you as a business owner may be adept at managing your company, this is an area you should know at least a little something about, because sooner or later an unexpected death or crime at your place of business may result in spilling of blood or other bodily fluids.  Knowing how to safely handle the situation is extremely important, because bodily fluids are classed as biohazards, meaning they can be a threat to life.

All business owners should have a plan for dealing with cleanup of biohazards in situations such as a crime, suicide, or sudden death.  That’s a good place to start.

But having a plan and actually implementing it can be two very different things.  It’s difficult to prepare for the unexpected, especially when it is traumatic.  The shock of a trauma often makes it difficult to focus or quickly make decisions, but having some information on where to start with safe blood cleanup can help.  In most cases, your best option is to contact a biohazard remediation and cleanup company such as ours to take over.

  • Safety of your employees and the general public should be your primary goal.

There are legal requirements for the safe cleanup and disposal of blood and other biohazards. Most people aren’t trained in how to handle it, and general household cleaning products won’t take care of the health threat.

  • Unless you know the procedures for safe cleanup of blood, we suggest you don’t attempt it.  You could actually make the situation worse. There are a number of dangerous pathogens (disease-causing microbes) that blood can carry.  And those pathogens can become airborne when blood is disturbed.  Dried blood can ‘mist’ and carry bacteria and other infectious microbes into the air, depositing them in areas removed from the blood spill.  You and those around you could inhale those particles as well.  Should those particles get into an air handling system, they can be dispersed throughout the building. 
  • Blood can seep into anything porous – textiles like carpets and draperies, furniture, and even wood and wall finishes like paint and wallpaper.  It can get into gaps between components as well as trim.
  • Over time, blood-borne pathogens will become harmless, but the odors of blood left behind can attract rodents and insects, and they often transmit other infectious diseases.
  • Do not ask an employee to tackle the task, unless that worker has been trained in safe cleanup and disposal of biohazards.  You’re risking that employee’s health as well as opening up your company to legal action.
  • Rapid, effective cleanup of blood is extremely important, regardless of whether the cause was crime, suicide, or even a death from natural causes.  Bacteria and other infectious and dangerous microorganisms can spread quickly, and speedy cleanup is essential in containment.  We understand that and are available 24/7, every day of the year. 

MedTech offers blood and other biohazard cleanup in Washington state as well as some surrounding Pacific Northwest areas.  If you have a blood spill at your place of business, contact us immediately at (877) 691-6706.  We have a quick response time and a reputation for safe and discrete cleanup.

 

 

 

 

 

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Sometimes Professional Biohazard Cleanup Is Needed At Attended Deaths

It is not uncommon for someone to die without anyone present.  This is referred to as an unattended death.  It may be a suicide, a crime-related fatality, or a death from natural causes of someone who lived alone and whose passing wasn’t noticed at first.

Since a human body begins to decompose quickly (the process begins within 24 hours), it is imperative that it be removed and the area cleaned up as soon as possible.  Unattended death cleanup is one of our common services.

But there are times we are called on to provide those same biohazard cleaning services in an attended death.  We were contacted by a property management company to handle some things following the death of a resident in a senior assisted living community.  The man was suffering from a terminal illness, and though not yet incapacitated and requiring care in a facility, he was somewhat impaired physically and his wife and other family members were providing care for him.

Unfortunately one night in his sleep his condition worsened rapidly, and his wife awoke to find him unconscious and hemorrhaging, in a pool of blood on the floor next to their bed.  She placed a call to 911, but by the time they arrived the man had died, having basically bled to death.  The carpeting was soaked, the bedding and mattress were blood spattered and so the property manager contacted us to come in and take care of things while the wife and family were away making arrangements for his funeral.

Other than his cancer, the man had no other health issues that would be considered health threats. He was not suffering from any infectious disease, and so that was not the concern.  So why would the property manager want to have a professional biohazard cleaning company come in?

Simply due to the amount of blood.  Small blood stains are usually cleaned up easily if taken care of quickly.  However, in this case it was substantial enough to soak the carpeting. And in all likelihood it was wicked quickly to the pad beneath it and probably the floor. Standard household cleaning products and procedures are rarely sufficient to deal with a blood spill like this.

Our task was to remove the carpet and dispose of it properly, then decontaminate the floor.  We also removed and disposed of the mattress and the bedding.

Why the urgency?  The primary reason was to get the room cleaned up before the wife returned.  She had suffered an immense emotional trauma with the unexpected loss as well as the graphic nature of her husband’s death.  Imagine how coming back to see the bloody scene would have affected her. We are thankful the property manager had sufficient compassion for her to quickly arrange cleanup.

The second reason is that in order for this residence to be rented out again, it would need to be cleaned, decontaminated, and restored. The wife did not need care services and thus would be moving out of the unit, but not knowing when this would occur, the property manager thought it would be best to get it taken care of right away, especially while she was gone making arrangements for her husband’s funeral.

The third reason is that bodily fluids such as blood can be a breeding ground for bacteria and other undesirable microbes.  Getting those fluids cleaned up quickly helps reduce the spread of disease and other health threats.

We were able to get the carpeting and bedding out, and the room cleaned up and restored as best as possible before her return.  Installation of new carpeting was done after she moved, but we were able to remove both the physical reminder of the trauma as well as the potential biohazard in her absence.

If you are in need of emergency cleanup of blood – like the owner of this property was – you can count on us for compassionate, respectful, and efficient service.  We serve the greater Spokane area as well as other parts of Washington state and the Pacific Northwest.

 

 

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Winter Is on the Way, and Some Biohazards Become More Common This Time of Year

As the weather gets colder, often the calls our professional biohazard and trauma cleanup and restoration company gets become more frequent and urgent.  Certain biohazards tend to proliferate in the winter. There are a number of reasons for this.

  • Homeless encampments are a major problem here in this part of the Pacific Northwest, and as the temperatures drop, communities are closing down outdoor homeless dwellings in an attempt to move these people into warm shelters. Once the residents have been removed (sadly, it is often forcibly), those homeless camps must be cleaned up. Homeless encampments are almost always contaminated with a variety of biohazards as well as safety issues.  And sometimes there is property that must be restored due to damage.
  • Transmission of certain bacteria and viruses rises in cold weather, as people are more often indoors in confined spaces and exposed to airborne threats, such as cold and flu viruses.  Surprisingly, most childhood diseases can be spread through the air. These include measles, mumps, chicken pox, and pertussis (whooping cough). At milder times of the year, windows may be open, providing ventilation that can dissipate germs. But in winter buildings are closed up, and modern construction has created spaces that are almost air-tight, meaning ventilation with fresh outside air is unlikely.
  • Being in closer contact due to spending more time indoors also facilitates the spread of contact-transmitted infections organisms, such as those that cause cold sores.  Certain pathogens are easily spread by contact with a surface such as a door knob or water faucet handle.
  • Cold temperature itself may be a culprit. Many scientists believe that the stress put upon the body to cope with the cold can impede the immune system via stress.
  • Or it could be the furnace. Forced-air furnaces may make homes and offices more comfortable, but they also facilitate the spread of airborne microorganisms like viruses and bacteria.
  • Seasonal stress can cause a rise in suicide as well as natural deaths, which when unattended may result in blood and other bodily fluids being spilled, requiring professional biohazard cleanup.

While you probably can’t prevent unexpected deaths and trauma at any time of the year – especially in winter – you can do your part to cut down on cold and flu germ transmission in your home as well as the public spaces you are in but following some simple hygiene practices.

MedTech Cleaners is a Spokane-based biohazard and trauma cleanup and restoration company. We’re here to help, 24/7, no matter the season.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Trauma Cleanup: The Suicide Rate Is Increasing

As a professional biohazard cleanup company, frequently our job involves taking care of a property after someone has died.  It can be from things such as a fatal crime scene or an unattended natural death of person who lived alone, but sadly all too often it is due to a suicide.  And it doesn’t appear that the need for our services is going away any time soon, since the rate of suicide in the U.S. is increasing rapidly.

Today, being Veterans Day, we wanted to focus on suicide, since it has become the leading cause of death among veterans.  (The other two top causes are Alzheimer’s and drug overdose.)

  • Despite a focus on prevention, the rate of suicide in the U.S. has been steadily rising across the country, increasing 25% between 1999-2014. According to the CDC, in about half the states, the rate is over 30%.
  • The risk of suicide among vets is more than 20% higher than for civilians.
  • Mental illness is not the only cause.  A CDC study revealed that 54% of suicide victims had not been diagnosed with a mental health issue. Ongoing depression may be the cause in a significant number, but taking a look at recent deaths of high profile celebrities who seemingly had fulfilling lives (or so it appeared) has forced a reconsideration of intervention efforts.
  • There is no typical suicide.  It cuts across gender, ethnic, educational, and socioeconomic lines.

One thing we do know, and that is reaching out in genuine care can help save a life.  If you know someone who has voiced thoughts that may be considered suicidal, or who is struggling to cope with life, be there for them, listen to them, show them you care.  And keep these numbers handy:

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:  1-800-273-8255 (24/7)

Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255 (Option 1); or text 838255. The VA also has online chat help available for servicemen and women, vets, and those who love them.

Though we are here to help in the aftermath of suicide with trauma counseling and cleanup, we would be very happy when the day comes that our services related to this matter were no longer needed. 

 

 

 

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What Are the Most Common Bloodborne Pathogens?

As a trusted biohazard cleanup company working here in the Pacific Northwest, we often encounter blood on projects we take on.  Whether it’s the result of trauma, suicide, a crime scene, or an unattended death, the presence of blood causes our cleanup technicians to step up their preventative measures even further than our normal protocols. The same is true when used injection syringes (with needles) are present, such as in homeless camps or public spaces where IV drug users congregate to shoot up.

Why do we take special care when blood is present in a cleanup scene?

HIV virus under microscope

Because there are various viruses and other pathogens that can be present in blood, and some of them can survive for extended periods of time.  According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the three most common ones are:

  • HIV
  • Hepatitis B
  • Hepatitis C

All three of these illnesses can be fatal.  Becoming infected with any of these from contact with blood is usually via a cut in the skin (such as the needle puncture the police officer suffered) or contact with mucous membranes.

The Likelihood of Becoming Infected from These Bloodborne Pathogens

We don’t want to over-exaggerate the risk, because the rate of transmission is low. For example, your risk of contracting HIV from a dirty needle is only 0.3% In a 15-year time span, the CDC was only able to document 57 cases, and of those the majority were health care workers like nurses and lab techs, and they were all related to a cut or puncture.  (Note:  Some researchers claim the rate is far higher. But even 1 in 300 is too big of a gamble.)

Though on the decline since 1977 (a 95%) drop, due mainly to a new vaccine and massive immunization of health care workers, Hepatitis B still remains a health threat.  It can cause severe liver damage and can be fatal.  The estimated risk of contracting it via contact with a needle or cut is somewhere between 6-30%.

Hepatitis C causes damage similar to Hep B.  There are 4 other Hepatitis viruses – A, D, E, and G.  All can be transmitted via contaminated blood, and it is believed that Hepatitis E can also be spread by drinking water contaminated with feces from an infected individual. Some are also sexually transmitted.  Hep D, E, and G are rare in the U.S., but occasional cases have been documented.

Of course, this is not an exhaustive list of dangers that may accompany blood spills, but it does include the most common ones.  The wisest course of action when encountering used needles is to avoid any contact whatsoever; report them to the appropriate authorities.  (If you live in the Seattle area, the direction is to call 911.)

And if you have property that has been contaminated by spilled blood, we recommend you contact a biohazard cleanup company such as ours, with trained technicians and specialized equipment to safely decontaminate the area and dispose appropriately of anything contaminated with the blood.  We are also experienced in property restoration, should tear-out of building materials, carpeting, and other furnishings be required.

 

 

 

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How Do You Choose a Biohazard, Trauma, or Crime Scene Cleanup Company?

If you own a property here in the Pacific Northwest, chances are that sooner or later you are going to need the help of a biohazard cleanup company. Now, that term might be a little restrictive, because usually companies like ours offer a lot more than professional cleaning services, and at times it is broader than just the term ‘biohazard.’ For example, these are just a few of the services we provide:

  • Crime scene or other trauma cleanup
  • Cleanup after a suicide, accidental or unattended death
  • Homeless encampments and squatter occupation
  • Decontamination from biological substances that can pose a health threat – blood and other bodily fluids, drug paraphernalia, trash, rodent infestation, and more

The first time you have a need for services like this, you’ll probably start with an internet search. And you’ll find there are lots of companies that provide them. So just how do you choose? Sure, ratings are helpful, but they aren’t always reliable.

When you’re working with a company to deal with any kind of hazardous containment and cleanup, of course it’s important that they are professional and experienced in what they do.  But because this is likely a stressful time for you, it’s also important to know that whoever you choose to work with will support and assist you through all the stages you’ll face.

Here are some considerations and why we believe we’re the company you should work with.

  • We are a family-owned business, and because of that we can often relate to what you’re going through. That means you’ll find a sympathetic and supportive ear.  Compassionate care for each person we deal with is our standard. 
  • Our technicians are highly trained. experienced and professional, but they are also kind, respectful, and caring. We realize this is probably a difficult time, so we endeavor to be as supportive as possible.
  • We are fully licensed, bonded and insured in each of the areas we service.
  • Our containment, cleaning, decontamination, and disposal methods meet or exceed industry and governmental standards.
  • We man our phones 24/7, each and every day of the year – no answering service, no answering machine, no options to click through to leave a message. A live person will answer your call whenever you call.
  • We don’t stop with containment and cleanup. Yes, getting the area decontaminated and cleaned is important, but you need to be able to recover as well.  Whatever damage was caused, we have a network of subcontractors to get your property restored as well. 
  • We work with the insurance company involved, and we’ll cover your deductible, up to $1,000 for a family.  We’ll make sure you get all the coverage you are entitled to.
  • Counseling services are available.  We know it’s important to get your property back in shape, but we’re also concerned about how YOU recover as well. We have certified crisis counselors available to help you get through this.

You shouldn’t have to go through recovery from an accident or trauma alone. We’re here to help when you need it most.

 

 

 

 

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It’s Cold & Flu Season: Tips to Stop the Spread of Germs

As a bio-hazard cleaning company, one of our primary goals is to stop the spread of germs on whatever project we’re working on.  That often involves use of industrial strength cleaners and our technicians generally wear protective hazmat suits.  But what about cleaning in your own home?  This flu season, you can use these tips to stop the spread of germs that can lead to colds and flu. Yes, germs are everywhere, and it’s very easy to come in contact with them. But there are things you can do to reduce your exposure.

Germ Transmission 101: How Cold & Flu Germs Get Spread

Sure, you and everyone in your family went out and got your flu shot, so your home is protected, right?  Wrong.  One reason colds and flu proliferate at this time of year is that germs are easily spread.  And while you might not contract an illness, you can be responsible for spreading those germs.  And unless you lock yourselves indoors all winter and don’t allow guests to enter, there are going to be germs. You carry them in from the outside, and they get spread around your home.

There are four main types of what we call germs

  • Bacteria (one cell microorganisms that can reproduce inside or outside the body)
  • Viruses (can only reproduce inside the living cell of a host)
  • Fungi (multi-celled, plant-like)
  • Protozoa (one-cell microorganisms that live in moist areas and are spread via water)

The amount of time each of these can live varies.  For example, viruses that cause colds can only survive a short amount of time on the exterior of your body, such as your hands. Some survive only moments, but the rhinoviruses – those responsible for colds – can live up to an hour. The same is true for viruses on hard surfaces. The average on a tissue is only 15 minutes.

Flu viruses are a little more resistant than those responsible for colds. They can live on hard surfaces for up to 24 hours.  But they may only last on a tissue for about 15 minutes, and in the air a couple of hours.  Some aggressive bacteria and viruses such as c. difficile and the norovirus can last for days, even weeks. In one study, c.diff was found to survive for 5 months on a hard surface. The best advice is to assume those little bugs are going to hang around for awhile unless you get rid of them.

How to Cut Down on the Spread of Germs

Here are some simple steps you can do to reduce the spread of germs this season:

  • The most effective thing you can do to stop the spread of cold and flu germs is to wash your hands – often and properly.  A simple water rinse isn’t enough.  Using soap and water whenever possible, wash your hands for as long as it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice. If soap and water isn’t available, use a hand sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol.
  • Avoid touching your mucous membrane areas – eyes, nose, mouth.
  • Take steps to keep your immune system strong (good nutrition, adequate sleep, hydration, and exercise)
  • Be proactive with cleaning: Use a disinfectant spray or wipe that specifically is labeled as effective against cold and flu viruses.  Don’t like chemicals? A mix of hot water and vinegar has been shown to be effective.  (Chlorine bleach does not always work on germs involving organic matter, but the CDC says it is effective against cold and flu viruses.) Wear rubber gloves to reduce skin contact.
  • Allow cleaned surfaces to air dry; resist the urge to speed things up by wiping afterward with a paper towel. The disinfectant continues to work as it dries.
  • Eliminate damp areas, since germs often will multiple in moist conditions. That means things like clothing, bath towels, and dish-cleaning implements like dish scrubbers and wands.

And finally, if you are sick, stay home! It doesn’t do any good to go see your doctor for an antibiotic, because colds and flu are viruses and antibiotics don’t help.  Your clinic will appreciate it if  you keep your germs at home.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Another Death from a Bacterial Infection Incurred During Post-Disaster Cleanup

It seems as the weeks go on, news reports surface of the dangers of yet another bacterial strain.  The latest is the death of a man who was cleaning up his North Carolina yard following Hurricane Florence.  Apparently the man sustained some scrapes or cuts in the cleanup process, which resulted in an infection. Heroic efforts were made to treat the infection, including amputation of his affected leg, but sadly he succumbed to the affliction and died.  (Click here to read the news article.)

And while here in Washington State we are not in danger of hurricane-related problems, it does raise the issue of just how dangerous exposure to bacteria can be.  Some bacteria can be inhaled, others are ingested, but the most common bacterial infections result in the same way this one did – from cuts or scrapes.  Bacteria then enter the bloodstream directly.  And while some are relatively harmless or slow-acting, others – like this one – spread quickly and are often fatal.

A second complicating factor here is the spread of contaminants via floodwaters, in this case from a severe tropical storm.  But water-borne bacteria can occur from such things as a septic system backup, a sewer main break, or even substantial rainfall that causes brief flooding.

As a biohazard cleanup company, we cannot over-stress the importance of wearing proper protective clothing when doing any type of cleanup where there is the slightest possibility of exposure to bacteria and other toxins.

When you are doing cleanup of a property, NEVER assume the contents are safe to deal with.  Pathogens are often unseen, and in a moment you can become exposed to something that can threaten your life. Instead, ALWAYS assume it is contaminated with toxins and act accordingly.  The safest (and wisest) thing may be to hire a toxic substance cleanup company like ours to handle things.

Our biohazard cleanup teams have been trained in the safe handling of potentially toxic substances, where protective gear, and follow set protocols for disposal of debris. If you’re faced with cleanup of your property following damage from water that may have been contaminated, please give us a call.  We offer biohazard cleanup and damage restoration services in the State of Washington and surrounding Pacific Northwest areas.

 

 

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