Five Common Misconceptions About Trauma Scene Cleanup
Most people aren’t prepared for what comes next when an accident, crime, or traumatic event occurs at a home or business.
Cleaning and restoring the scene is stressful and emotionally taxing, and, unfortunately, there are a lot of misconceptions about trauma scene cleanup that can leave families and businesses vulnerable.
The BioClean Team understands the challenges that people face, and we’re here to help. In this article, we’ll clear up some of the most common misunderstandings and explain why professional cleanup services are so important.
Misconception #1: “It’s Just Regular Cleaning”
Cleaning up after a traumatic event is very different from standard cleaning or janitorial services. Trauma scene cleanup is a complex and hazardous process that trained professionals should handle.
Unlike regular cleaning, professional biohazard cleanup services involve handling blood, bodily fluids, and other biohazardous materials that pose serious health risks.
Household cleaners are not powerful enough to eliminate bloodborne pathogens, such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or HIV, and they can’t penetrate deeply into porous materials to neutralize bacteria and odors. Biohazard clean-up crews use hospital-grade disinfectants, enzyme cleaners, and advanced testing methods to ensure that the space is fully decontaminated and safe.
Misconception #2: “The Police or Fire Department Will Handle It”
Many people assume that the police, paramedics, or firefighters will clean up the scene after there’s been a traumatic event. That’s not the case. They are not trained or equipped for biohazard remediation.
First responders will secure the scene, gather any evidence, and complete necessary reports; however, they do not handle the cleanup of biohazardous waste, such as blood, bodily fluids, or contaminated materials. Unfortunately, this burden falls back on the property owner.
Families or business owners may be shocked to learn that no one is coming back to clean up and restore the area, which can add to the trauma of the situation and delay the necessary remediation.
Misconception #3: “Insurance Doesn’t Cover Trauma Scene Cleanup”
People often assume they are responsible for the cost of professional biohazard remediation services after a traumatic event. That is not the case. Insurance typically covers most trauma scene cleanups, and in most instances, there are no out-of-pocket costs. To further explain, here’s a quick breakdown:
What insurance typically covers:
- Blood and bodily fluid cleanup
- Structural repairs from biohazard contamination
- Odor removal and sanitation
- Contents disposal or restoration
What insurance may not cover:
- Crime-related property damage (if the homeowner was involved)
- Costs above policy limits
- Cleanups in vehicles or outdoor public property
The BioClean Team works directly with insurance providers, handling paperwork and providing detailed documentation to ensure that every step of the process complies with local and federal regulations.
Misconception #4: “The Damage is Only What You Can See”
When it comes to biohazardous substances, such as blood and bodily fluids, unseen dangers can remain if the area has not been adequately cleaned and disinfected.
Blood and fluids can seep into subfloors, walls, and other hidden areas, making them difficult to detect.
For example, if a house was the scene of a traumatic crime, a dime-sized spot on a carpet could indicate a two- to three-foot-diameter blood stain that seeped beneath the carpet pad and onto the subfloor or decking beneath. Or a small droplet of blood on a bed-frame or dresser may mean there’s seepage inside drawers or under the bed.
To detect hidden dangers, professionals use a range of advanced technologies to ensure safe and effective trauma clean-up. These include:
- Portable UV-C light devices to sanitize surfaces rapidly, ensuring that areas are safe for re-entry.
- Hydroxyl generators, which use advanced photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) technology to eliminate odors, bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants from the air.
- Nanotechnology-based decontamination solutions to target specific pathogens or contaminants.
- Wearable technology, like smart glasses and sensors, can provide real-time information about the surrounding environment, potential hazards, and worker health.
Misconception #5: “It’s Best to Save Money and Do It Yourself”
It may seem like handling the cleanup yourself is a way to save money; however, it can lead to far greater costs, both personally and financially, compared with hiring professionals.
For starters, cleaning and restoring the site of a traumatic event is stressful and emotionally taxing, and is a task that no friend or family member should have to face.
Additionally, blood and bodily fluids often contain pathogens that are invisible to the naked eye, and the dangers can survive on surfaces long after a traumatic event. Without the proper protective equipment, specialized cleaning agents, and training, anyone attempting to clean up biohazardous substances risks direct exposure, cross-contamination, and long-term health consequences.
It is also important to be aware of the financial implications. You can’t just throw biohazardous materials into the garbage bin. Strict protocols must be followed when removing and disposing of hazardous materials, and failure to do so can result in fines and legal consequences.
That’s why it is essential to hire professionals. Certified trauma scene cleanup specialists have the tools, training, and compassion to restore a property safely. To learn more about how The BioClean Team can help you, contact us today.
