KEEPING THINGS IN THE RIGHT PERSPECTIVE, EASY YOU SAY..PART 1 BIORECOVERY AS A SPECIALTY Over the past decade, the field of Crime and Trauma Scene BioRecovery has become a recognized specialty, just as smoke or water damage restoration before it. Today, BioRecovery Technicians (in California, referred to as Trauma Waste Practitioners) provide regulatory-compliant on-site cleaning, decontamination, and restoration of properties damaged by blood, body fluids, decomposition, projectiles, and other physical destruction associated with dead or injured victims. Each situation that is encountered requires different cleaning techniques, chemicals and equipment. Technicians may find themselves responsible for the cleanup of a suicide in the bedroom of a million dollar home, a multiple homicide in a fast-food restaurant, cleaning vomit off the back seat of a police car, or picking up used syringes after a raid at a crack house. It is challenging physically, mentally, and emotionally. Turnover is high due to the psychological strain associated with the daily carnage of human beings. In fact, the atmosphere is often emotionally charged by distraught family members and friends, whom the technician must interact with, much the way a funeral director would. Those performing this work take on tasks that many others say they could never do. Technicians in this profession do however, often receive praise and respect for having the fortitude and compassion to help their fellow human beings in this unique manner. ITS ALL ABOUT THE DETAILS This goes far beyond wiping up a spot. In fact, most bio-recovery jobs take longer and are more involved than they appeared they would. It is painstakingly tedious to find and clean every near-microscopic blood droplet from the scene. Remnants of the trauma may be found imbedded in the ceiling, propelled into heating vents, into machinery, and puddled behind cabinets, refrigerators, and the like. Fluids can soak into and under walls, baseboards, sub-floors and studs. They also commonly run under cabinets and may be found hiding in appliances. Many scenes require dismantling appliances and machinery, pulling up flooring, removing heating and air conditioning ducts, or completely dismantling an auto’s interior. To do the job right can take a great deal of time and effort. Overlooking just a drop of blood or other trace of carnage can be emotionally devastating if found by the spouse of a trauma victim or the next rental car driver. Decomposition odors and fluids are also a part of the job. As an undiscovered body decomposes, it returns to the basic compounds of life. Liquid comprises the majority of the body, with protein compounds and minerals making up most of the remaining elements. When decomposition begins, the bodys tissues begin to break down forming putrid liquids that leak initially out of every opening in the body. Decomposition also produces gases that cause the body to bloat. If the gases do not find routes out of the body through natural openings, then the body will swell to the point that the tissue gives way and the gas expels. Sometimes the pressure is so great that there is literally an explosion, forcing liquids and tissue some distance from the body. Some decompositions have been known to leak from an upstairs bedroom to the basement. If the liquids weren’t enough, the resulting organic odors penetrate the structure and contents, requiring intensive deodorization. Finally, the technician’s tools and equipment cannot be put away without extensive decontamination. Each time a hammer, carpet knife, bucket, or steam vapor machine is used, it must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. Cross-contamination or direct exposure to a previously contaminated device could infect the next person moving, using, or putting away the device.
Posted on: Thu, 16 Jan 2014 18:43:57 +0000
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