First Steps After a Suicide

Avoid Entering the Scene

If a suicide has occurred, avoid entering or disturbing the area. Blood and other bodily fluids can carry dangerous pathogens such as HIV, Hepatitis B and C, and other biohazards. It’s critical to keep the space sealed until a licensed biohazard remediation team arrives to ensure proper cleanup and safety.

Notify Authorities & Engage the Coroner or Medical Examiner

Local law enforcement and the county coroner or medical examiner must take jurisdiction of the scene. These professionals ensure that any necessary investigations are properly conducted and documented. For a better understanding of the processes in Washington, you can review the Washington State Medical Examiners and Coroners guide (PDF).

Once the authorities have completed their work and officially released the scene, our certified professionals are ready to begin cleaning and decontaminating the site.

What Professional Suicide Cleanup Involves

At American Bio Management, we adhere to all relevant regulations, including OSHA and EPA, for trauma and biohazard cleanup. Our team is specially trained to handle bloodborne pathogens, hazardous materials, and utilizes personal protective equipment (PPE) for each job. Our goal is to restore the scene to a safe, livable condition while maintaining the highest standards of compassion and professionalism.

On-Site Assessment

Every cleanup starts with a thorough site inspection and risk assessment. We evaluate the extent of contamination, identify affected zones, and develop a remediation plan tailored to the scene. Key areas of focus include:

• Primary impact zones: Visible blood or other biological material.
• Secondary contamination zones: Fluids spread through foot traffic or air droplets.
• Hidden contamination: Areas like flooring, HVAC vents, and wall cavities.

We use advanced tools such as ATP (adenosine triphosphate) monitoring to detect invisible biological residues.

Removal of Contaminated Materials

Contaminated materials, such as carpets, mattresses, and upholstered furniture, may need to be removed and treated as regulated medical waste. This includes:

• Carpets and carpet padding
• Mattresses and bedding
• Upholstered furniture
• Curtains, linens, and personal items

Deep Cleaning and Disinfection

After removing contaminated materials, we apply hospital-grade disinfectants, EPA-registered antimicrobials, and specialized enzyme cleaners to all salvageable surfaces. This includes:

• Scrubbing walls, floors, ceilings, and fixtures
• Using fogging systems or UV light when appropriate
• Multiple cleaning passes to ensure pathogen neutralization

We also deodorize the area using HEPA-filtered air scrubbers and ozone or hydroxyl generators.

Structural Remediation

In cases where biofluids have penetrated the structure, surface cleaning alone may not suffice. We perform controlled demolition to remove affected materials such as:

• Drywall
• Baseboards
• Subflooring
• Insulation

Once exposed structural elements are treated with antimicrobial agents or sealants, preventing long-term odors and mold growth.

Compassionate, Professional Help When You Need It Most

Suicide cleanup is not only technically complex, but also emotionally overwhelming. Families, landlords, and businesses across Washington rely on American Bio Management for trauma scene remediation. We provide discreet, prompt service to help you restore the safety and livability of your property. Available 24/7, we serve areas such as Seattle, Tacoma, Olympia, Bellevue, and Everett, as well as communities throughout Washington State. Learn more about our suicide cleanup services or contact us for immediate assistance.

Additional Support and Resources

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – Dial 988
• Washington State Suicide Prevention Plan (PDF)
• Washington State Department of Health – Suicide Prevention
• Washington State Medical Examiners and Coroners (PDF)