Warning: The Following Contains Graphic Descriptions of Material of a Sensitive Nature in D.C.
After the call to 911, and after the police, EMTs, or coroner have gone, my company Advanced Biotreatment is called to help put things back in order, even when things will never, ever be the same again for those left behind. I have a job that most people would consider one of the worst on earth.
It is a job, however that I take very seriously and though I am affected by what I see sometimes just like anyone else would be, I take comfort knowing that I am providing a service which helps people move forward from an accident or tragedy.
ABT deals with a wide spectrum of cleanup calls… From murders, to suicide, to decomposing bodies which have gone unnoticed for a period of time, or just about any incident which involves bio-hazardous elements. Sometimes the calls we get don’t involve death at all, like car accidents, hoards, or the aftermath of a medical emergency. I have seen it all. Or at least I thought I had when we received a call for the decontamination and remediation of a home in Washington D.C. That case I will never forget.
Warning: the following material contains graphic descriptions of a sexual nature. Viewer discretion is advised.
Before going out to a cleanup location, I like to have as much information as possible to prepare not only my equipment, but also my mind in regards to what I am about to see as well as knowing if I will be dealing with just the insurance company or if I will be working with distraught family members. This caller, however, I could tell was reluctant to say much more than just that the cleanup involved a massive about of blood and that the victim, who was now in the hospital, had a serious MRSA infection(a staph infection that is very virulent as well as resistant to medication… not something anyone wants to mess with without proper precautions.)
As I arrived at the apartment building where the caller listed the address of the cleanup and began to suit up in our protective bio-hazard gear, I was approached by a young man in his late twenties. He introduced himself, rather timidly, as the partner of the man who had been injured and who had placed the call for our help. Gently, I pressed him for more information on what had happened in their apartment so that I could properly care for the home and after a few minutes of foot shifting and hand wringing, I could see he was desperate to just unload his burden. I told him I had seen and heard everything before so he shouldn’t feel self conscious about telling me anything. It was what he needed to hear and as we began the walk up to the third floor, the story he relayed to me took some effort on my part to not give away a shudder.
Back at John Doe’s loft, things quickly heated up and the two began making love. That was when something went horribly wrong. Without saying exactly what happened, our client simply stated that they were mid-coitus when the accident occurred… the blood we were removing was the result of a severely torn rectum and lower GI. I’m sure you can fill in any missing pieces as to what must’ve took place in your mind.
The Panic that Ensued Could Still Be Heard in Our Client’s Voice
I truly felt sorry for him and his lover for having to endure not only such a unbelievable accident, but also having to explain it over and over again to doctors, family members and now, ABT. Emergency personnel arrived to rush John D. to the hospital where it was later discovered that a large bump on his lower back was actually MRSA, which made it imperative for trained, property equipped professionals like ABT to be called to decontaminate the entire scene.
Fortunately, we were able to remove any trace of the blood from their home, which was a large task as the area of the injury, combined with the copious amounts of alcohol imbibed by John D. made for a lot of blood loss. Once we completed the remediation, it was necessary to completely decontaminate the home to prevent MRSA from spreading to other individuals. It was a long, hot day in a non breathable decon suit and full face mask.
ABT are trained professionals who have the equipment and knowledge to handle any incident involving bio-hazardous material. Blood, urine, feces and other bodily fluids contain pathogens which can be dangerous. Combine that with string chemical cleaning agents and these scenes can pose a significant health risk suited for experts like ABT who are certified by the EPA and OSHA. We will handle everything from removing furniture to working with your insurance company. No family member or loved one should have to face cleaning up after an accident or tragedy… It can be daunting not to mention disturbing to the untrained mind. We will do our best to make it just a distant memory.
On my follow up in this case I did learn that John D. was making a slow recovery but that it was expected to be thorough. No word on the couple’s plans for their next anniversary. We hope it involves the theater.
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
