An unattended death occurs when a person dies without anyone present to notice it. How can that happen? It can happen due to an accident, illness, or other circumstances that leave a person alone after they have passed away. Unattended deaths are often not discovered until days or weeks after the person has died.
While unattended deaths are relatively rare, they can profoundly impact those who discover the body. In addition to dealing with grief and loss, individuals who find an unattended death must also deal with the practical issues of having a deceased body in their home or office.
What Are The Stages A Body Go Through When Decomposing?
The stages of decomposition are typically described as fresh, bloat, active decay, and advanced decay.
- Fresh: This stage typically lasts for about 3-4 days after death and is characterized by supple and elastic skin.
- Bloat: During this stage, gasses from the body accumulate in the abdomen as bacteria break down tissue. The abdomen will start to swell noticeably, with fingerprints becoming less visible.
- Active decay: This stage usually begins about a week after death and is characterized by visible putrefaction as the body liquefies. The smell of decomposition will also become very strong at this stage.
- Advanced decay: This is the final stage of decomposition and can last for several weeks. The body will be almost entirely skeletonized, and there will be little to no odor left.
If you discover an unattended death, it is important to contact a professional cleaning service right away for the body removal. These professionals have the training and equipment needed to take care of the unattended death cleanup and sanitize the place, ensuring that any harmful bacteria or odors are removed. That will help prevent further health risks for anyone who comes into contact with the remains.
Hire Professional Biohazard Cleaners For Unattended Deaths, Crime Scenes, And More!
At USA Bio Care, we are expert biohazard cleaners that offer cleaning services for all types of unattended deaths, crime scenes, medical waste removal, and many other biohazard-related jobs. Our team has the experience and expertise to complete any job quickly and efficiently while providing discreet cleanup so you can focus on moving forward.
Whether it’s a homicide, suicide, or unattended death, cleaning up after one of these situations can be extremely stressful and emotional. If you face this situation someday and seek professional help, look no further than USA Bio Care. We have years of experience in this industry and provide full-service solutions for all types of jobs.