Suicide: The Mess Left Behind
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Jul 12, 2018 by Jennifer Salomon
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I’ve been with Bio-One for a while now and have seen my share of blood cleanups due to homicide, suicide, and decomposition. And by far the worst to deal with are the suicides. That is something that ripples through everyone connected with the situation. The family, friends, neighbors, first responders, police officers, and local community. When we show up, the Police have already cleared the scene and the Coroner has taken the deceased away. What we come face to face with is the family, there to greet us, to sign all the paperwork to allow us to begin working, and the trauma scene left behind.
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The air is filled with despair and eerie silence. We begin our work. The scene is covered in blood, brain matter, bone fragments, and thick with the smell of blood. Always makes me wonder what the last thoughts were the pass through that person’s mind. Nothing good, I imagine. Makes my throat ache and eyes water. What I’m looking at and cleaning was a living, breathing person not so long ago. One case, I remember, was a man taking his life in the bathroom with a shotgun. The mess was horrific! The image is still stuck in my mind. But, what struck me to my core was where in the bathroom he was. It appeared as if the man had been looking in the bathroom mirror, watching himself, as he pulled the trigger that would end his life. What was so heavy on his soul that suicide was the only option? I always think what if you could catch the person a day before and let them know they are cared about, loved, and that there are other options. They mattered. If the suicidal person could see the impact their death on others, would they go through with it? Seeing the tears shed by their families, friends, and community. The survivors questioning what they did wrong. The heartbreak and sadness. Would they reconsider? Would they try to reach out for help?
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Bio-One deals with suicide cleanup quite frequently and it never gets easier. If anyone reading this is thinking of suicide, we strongly encourage you to reach out to someone for help. There is always another option, don’t let upsetting emotions decide a permanent solution for you. You matter! Getting help is the first step in helping yourself. You can do it! Your future and life matter. If you need help ASAP, call 911. If you want to talk, call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255 They are available 24/7/365 and are thoroughly trained to talk, listen, and help you evaluate your options for physical safety and mental wellness. Don’t cut your life short, there is so much more to live for and only you can create your future.
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