The first hours
After a death is discovered, the property is typically attended by first responders and, depending on the circumstances, an investigating agency and the medical examiner. Once the person has been transported and any investigation is complete, the property is released.
At that point the cleanup becomes the responsibility of the property owner, the family or the estate. No agency returns to remediate the property.
What is left behind
Decomposition releases fluids and gases. Those fluids travel into flooring, padding, subfloor and sometimes into the wall base and drywall. Odor moves through the HVAC system and into soft furnishings in other rooms.
The affected area is nearly always larger than the visible stain.
What the cleanup involves
A biohazard cleanup company assesses the true extent of contamination, contains the area, removes materials that cannot be decontaminated, cleans and disinfects remaining surfaces and treats residual odor.
Families do not need to be present or enter the affected area.