Few life events are as shocking as a loved one’s unexpected death. It’s one thing to watch it on a movie or TV show, but it’s an uncanny experience when it happens to us personally.

In the most basic sense, unattended death refers to the failure of another person — or even a professional medical team — to have been present at the time of death. Often enough, though, the term refers more precisely to specific types of ends that have left medical and public safety officials unprepared, resulting in a need for biohazard removal.

What can you do if you’re still reeling from this loss? What should you do immediately? Should you call on a professional cleaning service or attempt to clean up the scene yourself? These questions will remain on your mind, so keep reading for answers.

The Definition of Unattended Death

First, what is this term? While it sounds similar to an unexpected or unintended death, it is not the real meaning. Unattended death happens when someone dies alone and is not immediately found. Their body may not be discovered for days, weeks, or even longer! This is usually the case when someone commits suicide or lives alone without friends or family nearby to check on them.

Some common causes and circumstances surrounding unattended death include:

• Accidents: People may fall down and not be able to call for help.

• Old age: The elderly are more likely to die alone, especially if they are living by themselves or are not in an elderly care facility.

• Overdose: Drug users may take too many pills or the wrong ones.

• Sickness: Someone may not realize they are sick and therefore not call for help or go to the hospital. 

• Suicide: Not always considered an unattended death, but it’s more common when someone lives alone.

What gives finality to an unattended death is that the deceased is left alone for a long time, which could be anything from a few minutes to days. This means that the person may be found later than expected. This is different from unexpected death (when someone dies suddenly with no warning, much like “sudden death”), although this can still happen if the body is not found.

What Happens in an Unattended Death?

As we’ve clearly defined the difference between unattended and unintentional deaths above, let us move forward with what happens to the human body in the case of the former.

• First, when a body is not discovered for days or weeks, the body may rapidly decompose, causing harmful bacteria to spread. These bacteria can be hazardous. 

• Second, if the body is left in the home, it can bother future residents. If it is not cleaned correctly, it can also pose a health risk to future home residents.

Therefore, you will require professional biohazard removal services after moving the body. These professionals have the tools and training to clean, sanitize, and deodorize the home.

Post-Death Biohazard Removal

After an unattended death is found and reported, the family must follow regulations to clean up the scene. The purpose of these guidelines is to avoid the following:

• The nature of decomposition: After death, bacteria in the intestinal tract can cause the corpse to bloat and decompose rapidly. No one should have to see a loved one in this state.

• Health and safety: The airborne bacteria and biological materials that the body releases after death can be dangerous to anyone at the scene and harm those occupying the home if not properly cleaned. Even the smallest amount of biological material can result in severe physical damage within the home.

Conclusion

Yes, death still means you lost a loved one. However, you must not gloss over the fact that an unattended corpse brings all sorts of harmful toxins to everyone within proximity. You must hire biohazard removal services to ensure no one else befalls the same fate or even prevent a potential pandemic from spreading.

Hire Anubis Hazmat right away if you hear about an unattended death in your area! We are professionals that take care of biohazard removal in Florida for you so you can work through your grief.