17 Blood Trauma scene

Death and trauma scene clean up in Europe is an increasing requirement from the undiscovered deaths of an ageing population increasingly living alone. The course explains the removal of all signs or evidence of the decomposition event. This may include blood, property damage, stains odour and dangerous chemicals or spillage. The course recognises the guidance of the HSE and WHO World Health Organisation that blood and body fluids are potentially pathogenic and may cause infection to those not protected. Training is provided to ensure that people encountering blood or body fluids utilise the “Universal” SOPs Standard Operating Procedures when dealing with spills. Associated odours are often found to be a major problem and the course explains decontamination principles to eliminate these. The course goes through a step by step process from the initial scene to completion where the scene is left in a clean and odourless condition by the competent and safe technician.

The course follows this syllabus:

• Introduction to microbiology

• Personal Health issues

• Prophylactic care

• Disease and defence issues

• HSE guidance

• PPE Personal Protection Equipment

• Confined Space operation

• Lock out Tag out

• COSHH and MSDS

• Equipment and materials

• Specialist chemicals

• Sharps and l infection control

• Emergency response

• RIDOR & Legislation

• Biohazard decontamination Principles

• Cadaver decomposition

• Collection and transport of waste

• Psychological stressors

• Dealing with families

• Legal issues

• Audit trail

• Tricks of trade