The worst calls we get, in my professional opinion, are the ones that involve shotguns. The devastation caused by one of these firearms is unlike any other.
Often these scenes are the most technical in terms of clean up because, particularly in a small space like a bathroom or bedroom, the gore tends to be quite widespread. These cases really illustrate how vital it can be to hire highly trained bio-hazard specialists like the ones at ABT for two reasons: no family should have to put themselves through the trauma of of seeing the aftermath of a crime, suicide or accident and the pathogens that are found in bodily fluids such as blood, urine or feces, as well as the strong chemicals used in the decontamination process, make for a high risk situation appropriate for experts only.
A recent call we received and the subsequent clean up will likely live in my memory for a long time to come. We were told, on the way to the working class neighborhood outside of Jacksonville, Florida, that the scene involved a suicide… committed using a shotgun… and that we should steel ourselves for what awaited. It was good advice.
When we arrived at the address listed on the work order, two detectives met our van at the curb, allowing us to pass beneath the yellow police table which was the only indication, other than the coroner’s vehicle and a few unmarked detective vehicles, that anything was amiss inside. I’ll never forget when the officer closest to me said, ‘I hope you have a strong stomach,’… and I do, thankfully.
The bedroom was were John Doe chose to end it all. I often wonder what the last thing to go through his mind was just before he pulled the trigger. But I’ve learned not to voice that question out loud anymore because someone always has to joke, ‘The bullet,’… I never feel much like laughing.
From the looks of things, John was a very simple man… his meager possessions were neatly put into their places around the small room, but now they were covered with tiny pieces of their former owner. John had decided to use his shotgun to do “the deed”.
Blood, brain matter and pieces of John D.’s skull were all over the space, from the ceiling to the walls, even behind furniture. Having professional like those at Advanced Bio-Treatment treat the scene is crucial to properly decontaminating after a suicide, crime or accident in your home or business. We are EPA and OSHA certified and we will work with you to find the right cleanup process covered by your insurance. We will meet not only their approval, but most importantly, yours as well.
This cleanup was a very intensive one to say the least. When a shotgun is used, there is little left of the victim’s head and this was no different. We are used to seeing grisly jobs, but this one was particularly bad. I couldn’t imagine a family member or loved one finding him like this, let alone try to clean up afterwards. You don’t have to go at it alone, we are here for you and we have been trained to be sensitive during these difficult times in you or your lived ones life.
It was only after we had finished packing up our equipment for the day, having finally restored the property, that we learned what had sent John over the edge. He had apparently developed a addiction to dope in his twenties and his life spiraled out of control from there. He lost his job and his family and everything he owned before finally attempting to get clean. He was living in the halfway house he finally ended his in, when he had relapsed. He was just about to find himself on the streets, when I guess he gave up and took his own life. Tragic. Sometimes we forget that the people we pass everyday are fighting their own battles. John lost his battle but hopefully he’s at peace now.
Advanced Bio-Treatment has experience in the decontamination and remediation of crime scenes, accident scenes, suicides and other unattended deaths. We will work with your insurance company to ensure that our biohazard cleanup services meets both your standards and theirs.
Our 24/7 Cleanup Service Areas Include: Florida, Georgia, Washington DC, New York , Kentucky and other crime scene states.
If you need scene clean-up and decontamination guidance, have questions about your payment options, which clean up and decon procedures your current insurance policy covers or require our scene cleanup services immediately, don’t hesitate to give Advanced Bio Treatment a call at: 800-295-1684
