Who cleans up after a Suicide?

In today's world, where mental health challenges cast a long shadow, there arises a crucial yet often overlooked need: Forensic Cleaners. This essential service spans various settings, from remote mining sites' solitude to the hearts of urban apartments.

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The job was a post-suicide cleanup, following a tragic gunshot incident. With the body already removed, our preparation commenced. Our van was loaded with bio-waste bags, a range of cleaning agents including bleach, and one of our advanced ozone machines, crucial for combating the odours that are a stark reminder of the tragedies we encounter.

Upon arrival at the site, we geared up in our protective wear: coveralls, full-length shoe covers, double nitrile gloves, and respirators with organic filters, essential for safeguarding against unseen hazards.

The scene inside was starkly confronting. A trail of blood and biological remnants led from the doorway to a lonely chair in the kitchen, the epicentre of the tragedy. Heartbreakingly, two children's school bags lay amidst the chaos, dropped in a moment of shock and despair.

The kitchen bore the brunt of the incident. Blood, bone fragments, and teeth were dispersed in a chilling array, some embedded in the ceiling, others strewn across the floor. A sideboard displaying happier memories — children's photos, a wedding picture — was now marred by blood, the images beneath barely discernible.

Our briefing had been clear: a hunting rifle, a moment of desperation, and the discovery by his young children returning from school. In our line of work, emotional detachment is a professional necessity. We focus on our task with precision, maintaining distance from the emotional aspects to ensure effectiveness.

The cleanup commenced with the removal of solid waste around the chair. Then, porous items like clothing and cushions were meticulously bagged, documented for the family's records. We also took care to locate personal items like wallets, aiding in the family's closure.

We preserved the children's schoolwork and books from their bags, hoping it might aid in their healing process.

The contamination had spread to the lounge, kitchen, and master bedroom. Our cleaning process involved thorough washing with antimicrobial agents and regular disposal of soiled microfiber cloths.

Discovering the victim's nose behind the fridge and an ear fragment in a planter box highlighted the necessity for our comprehensive approach.

After the visible cleanup, we misted bleach over all surfaces, searching for any remaining proteins, signalling the need for further cleaning.

The final step involved deploying our ozone machine, essential in cases of advanced decomposition.

At WA Forensic Cleaning, part of the WA Flood and Fire family, our role transcends cleaning. We serve as custodians of dignity, ensuring no trace of tragedy remains, allowing spaces to heal, and providing some measure of solace in the aftermath of unimaginable loss.