Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

Trauma scene cleanup is performed by specially trained professionals known as bio-recovery technicians. These experts are equipped with the necessary knowledge, skills, and protective gear to safely handle and dispose of biohazardous materials such as blood, bodily fluids, and other contaminants.

On average, prices can range from $1,500 to $10,000 or more depending on several factors. Basic cleanup of a smaller area may fall on the lower end of the spectrum, while more complex scenes with extensive biohazard contamination can be significantly more expensive.

Key tools include personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, masks, goggles, and tyvek type suits to protect technicians from biohazard exposure. Industrial-grade disinfectants and cleaning agents are used to sanitize surfaces, while biohazard waste containers are essential for the safe disposal of contaminated materials. HEPA vacuums and air scrubbers help remove airborne pathogens and odors

The duration of trauma scene cleanup varies based on the extent of the damage and the size of the affected area. Typically, a standard cleanup can take anywhere from a few hours to a full day. Complex cases, such as large-scale incidents or those involving extensive contamination, may require several days to ensure thorough decontamination and sanitization

While it is technically possible for someone to clean up a trauma scene, it is highly discouraged due to the significant health and emotional risks involved. Trauma scenes often contain biohazardous materials such as blood and bodily fluids, which can carry dangerous pathogens like hepatitis and HIV.

A competent biohazard removal company must be knowledgeable of disease, pathogens, sanitizers, disinfectants, sterilant, deodorants, techniques, devices, and local regulations. 

Biohazardous remediation technicians should:

• Be professional and sensitive to the nature of each scene and the people around them.
• Work closely with the property representative to reduce the emotional stress related to the scene.
• Discourage publicity as possible.

Some companies now advertise that they provide services for trauma and crime scene clean up. However, before you hire any bio-recovery cleaning company, find out what their experience and expertise is.

They are microorganisms such as viruses or bacteria that are carried in blood or bodily fluids and can cause disease in humans.

It is never a good idea to pick up and remove a discarded needle yourself. While the risk is small, you could get sick or infected if the needle pokes your skin or an existing cut. It is best to call professionals when you find a discarded needle, in order to ensure it is picked up and disposed of correctly without any risk to you. 1st Trauma Scene Clean Up can help.

Yes. We not only comply with all provincial and federal regulations and WorkSafe BC protocols but by OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) in the United States. 

Trauma scene cleanup should be initiated as soon as possible to ensure the safety and well-being of those affected. Immediate cleanup is crucial to prevent the spread of biohazardous materials, such as blood and bodily fluids, which can harbor harmful pathogens like bacteria and viruses.

Yes, some trauma scene cleanup companies offer 24/7 emergency services to respond promptly to urgent situations. Emergency services are designed to offer fast, efficient, and compassionate care whenever it is needed most.

Professional cleanup technicians use industrial-grade deodorizers and cleaning agents to neutralize and eliminate odours at the source. They may employ enzymatic cleaners that break down organic matter responsible for the smell. Additionally, advanced equipment like HEPA air scrubbers and ozone generators is used to purify the air and remove lingering odors.

The step are:

• Assess the area to determine the scope of the cleanup and identify potential hazards.
• Secure the area to prevent further contamination.
• Disinfection and sanitization to eliminate pathogens and bacteria.
• Collection and disposal of biohazardous waste.

Yes, trauma scene cleanup services are essential for unattended death scenes. These situations often involve advanced decomposition, which can pose significant health risks due to the presence of biohazardous materials such as bodily fluids, blood, and tissue.

The cost of trauma scene cleanup is influenced by several key factors.

• The extent and severity of the contamination.
• The type of incident, such as a crime scene, unattended death, or accident.
• Location of the scene, as remote or hard-to-reach areas may incur higher costs.
• The need for specialized equipment. Any additional services, such as odour removal or structural repairs. 

• Bloodborne Pathogens: Viruses such as HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C, which can be transmitted through contact with infected blood and bodily fluids.
• Bodily Fluids: Saliva, vomit, and other fluids that can carry harmful bacteria and viruses.
• Tissue and Organic Matter: Decomposing tissues that can release bacteria and attract pests.
• Sharp Objects: Needles and broken glass that can cause injury and transmit infections.
• Chemical Hazards: Substances used in violent incidents or accidental spills that can be toxic or corrosive.

Yes, many trauma scene cleanup services include COVID-19 disinfection as part of their services. This involves using hospital-grade disinfectants and advanced cleaning techniques to ensure the thorough elimination of the virus from surfaces and the environment

Many insurance policies will pay for claims involving our services. We will gladly assist you with the claims process so that your insurance company has all the information needed to pay the claim. We can also liaise with your insuran

The services we provide are recognized by the insurance industry, and TSCU staff can work closely with your insurance company to assure prompt processing of your claim.

Fentanyl is sold as a white powder and is primarily “cut in” to street drugs such as cocaine or heroin. It can also be sold as a pill and combined with other drugs that are commonly ingested as a pill like MDMA. Fentanyl can kill in tiny doses and shouldn’t be tampered with – if you think that you see fentanyl, call 1st Trauma Scene Clean Up and your local emergency services – 911 – immediately.

Carfentanil is an even stronger type of fentanyl; it has up to 100 times the strength of regular fentanyl. Of course, this makes it up to 100 times more deadly. Carfentanil is not intended for human use and is used by veterinarians to sedate large animals like elephants.

If your home has been exposed to tear gas from a police incident or another occurrence, contact an experienced company to do so. Since tear gas is designed to incapacitate you by inducing coughing and tears; it requires professional cleaning and it is dangerous to clean it yourself. 

Fingerprint powder is made up of a variety of different compounds. The traditional white powder is traditionally made from titanium oxide or aluminum, while the black powder is made up of graphite and charcoal. These powders can also have aluminum and other metals integrated in order to make them stick. Most powders are light and easily spread to make a mess. 

A clandestine drug lab is another way of referring to an illegal drug lab, making street drugs for illicit consumption. It can be found in a home, RV camper, to even a sewer system.

These labs are dangerous due to the drugs made inside and they can be hazardous to the environment around them. The creation of meth and other drugs leads to the creation of further hazardous waste materials, many of which are dumped in places where they can harm people and wildlife nearby.

Meth Labs have a strong chemical odour, that has been compared to rotten eggs or cat urine. Some meth labs also smell strongly of ammonia. If you suspect you can smell a meth lab, do not intervene yourself; call your local emergency services.

Norovirus is a highly contagious superbug that can easily cause illness outbreaks in schools, workplaces, and homes. People who catch Norovirus typically start to feel ill within 24 to 48 hours after contracting the bug; when they are sick, they are at their most contagious and extra precautions should be made to prevent illness. However, they should continue to exercise caution for 3 days after the symptoms disappear.

The main causes of major industrial accidents come about when people are working with hazardous materials and dangerous equipment. While safety regulations minimize the risk of industrial accidents, there is always a chance of disaster when working with complex machinery. The biggest cause is human error and not following safety regulations to their fullest.

DO NOT:

• Enter a building, residence, crime scene, or potentially contaminated area unless it is necessary to administer medical attention or remove someone from harm’s way.
• Touch anything! Do not attempt to remove medical waste such as blood, bodily fluids, tissue, feces, urine or gross filth on your own.
• Enter until law enforcement has completed their investigation and released the scene.
• Answer questions from anyone other than identified uniformed police officers, detectives, crime scene technicians, or forensic examiners.
• Do not talk to the media unless you are the designated media contact for your company, and you have been authorized to do so

DO:

• Call 911
• Answer questions from identified law enforcement and emergency personnel as quicky and accurately as possible.
• Answer questions only with factual and pertinent information and stay nearby in case you are needed for further questioning.
• Prevent all staff, family and friends from entering the building, residence, crime scene or potentially contaminated area.
• Avoid all walkways or areas where other peoplesuch as emergency medical personnel or law enforcement may have tracked bio-hazardous materials or evidence in or out of a contaminated area.
• Contact a professional bio-hazard remediation service to arrange for a prompt arrival once the scene is released. Ensure, before authorizing a company to do the clean up, they adhere to all Federal and provincial laws and regulations in the handling and disposing of bio-hazardous waste and infectious materials.
• Confirm that all biological waste will be disposed of at a licensed medical waste facility.

What is regulated waste?

• Any liquid or semi-liquid blood or other potentially infectious materials.
• Contaminated items that would release blood or other potentially infectious material in a liquid or semi-liquid state if compressed. (Examples: Saturated bandages, gauze or clothing, etc.)
• Items that are encrusted with dried blood or other potentially infectious materials and are capable of releasing these materials during handling.
• Contaminated sharp objects. (Examples: Broken glassware, needles, etc.)