What to Do After a Trauma Scene: A Step-by-Step Guide

No one expects to deal with the aftermath of a traumatic event. Whether it's a crime, an accident, a suicide, or an unattended death, the shock and grief can make it nearly impossible to think clearly about what comes next.

As a former police officer and crime scene technician with over 20 years of experience, I've walked alongside hundreds of families through these moments. Here's the guide I wish every family had before they needed it.

Step 1: Ensure Everyone's Safety

Before anything else, make sure everyone is safe and accounted for. If there's any possibility of danger — an intruder, structural damage, or hazardous materials — leave the property and call 911 immediately.

Step 2: Contact Law Enforcement

If you haven't already, call the police. They need to document the scene and determine whether an investigation is necessary. This is a critical step — professional cleanup cannot begin until law enforcement or the coroner officially releases the scene.

Step 3: Do NOT Attempt to Clean the Scene Yourself

This is the most important step. We understand the instinct to "fix" things and restore normalcy. But trauma scenes contain biohazardous materials — blood, bodily fluids, and tissue — that pose serious health risks.

Standard household cleaning products cannot properly decontaminate a trauma scene. Without professional-grade equipment, HEPA filtration, and proper PPE, you risk exposure to:

• Bloodborne pathogens (HIV, Hepatitis B & C)
• Bacteria and other infectious agents
• Chemical hazards from decomposition
• Psychological trauma from direct exposure

Step 4: Contact Your Insurance Company

Many homeowners don't realize that their insurance policy may cover professional biohazard cleanup. Call your insurance provider as soon as possible to open a claim. They'll need basic information about the incident and the property.

At Post Trauma Scene Decon, we work directly with insurance companies including State Farm, Allstate, and many others. We can bill your insurance directly and assist with the claims process so you don't have to manage paperwork during an already difficult time.

Step 5: Call a Professional Cleanup Company

Once the scene has been released by law enforcement, it's time to call a professional biohazard remediation company. Here's what to look for:

• IICRC certification (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification)
• OSHA compliance and proper training
• 24/7 availability for emergency response
• Experience with trauma and crime scenes specifically
• Proper insurance and liability coverage
• Transparent pricing with no hidden fees

Step 6: Take Care of Yourself and Your Family

The emotional toll of a traumatic event is real and lasting. Don't try to "push through" alone. Reach out to friends, family, or a professional counselor. Many communities offer grief support groups and crisis counseling services.

In North Country, you can contact the St. Lawrence County Community Services Board or your local mental health clinic for support resources.

What Happens During Professional Cleanup?

When you call us, here's what to expect:

1. Immediate response. We answer 24/7 and can typically be on-site within hours — not the 1-2 days that many competitors take.
2. On-site assessment. We inspect the scene, take photos and measurements, and provide a transparent quote before any work begins.
3. Professional remediation. Using OSHA-approved protocols, HEPA filtration, full PPE, and human-safe chemicals, we thoroughly decontaminate every affected surface.
4. Biohazard disposal. All biohazardous waste is disposed of through our Pureway Compliance system, meeting all federal and state regulations.
5. Restoration. We restore your property to pre-incident condition, including odor elimination and coordination with other vendors if structural work is needed.
6. Documentation. Complete documentation for your records and insurance claims.