Paint a Picture, Relieve Trauma Scene Cleanup Stress

Trauma scene cleanup can encompass anything from a crime scene to a drug lab or hoarding, which is why technicians need to be prepared for any scenario when they begin work. Before sending technicians out on a job, restoration company leaders need to get a handle on what the scene looks like. They should ask questions of coroners, medical examiners, detectives, and anyone else who was present when the scene was discovered.

“The more you can learn about a scene and share with your technicians, the better their mental health will be,” says Gordy Powell, founder and co-owner of Georgia Clean and Associates. “You’re painting a picture in their head of what they may be walking into. The goal is to remove the shock and awe factor.”

Knowing your employees’ likes and hobbies beforehand, as well as their home situation, can help restoration business owners relate to their staff in a meaningful way. “We had a case last year where I accidentally sent out a technician to a quadruple murder-suicide where a mother had murdered her children. My one technician is a mother of three children who were similar in age to those who were murdered,” he explains. “I know she and her family love eating out and going to the movies. After that job, I paid for a glamorous dinner and movie of their choice, so she could connect with her children.” He adds that Georgia Clean closes each year for a whole day so the entire staff can go to a group session with a psychologist.

It is an emotional time for technicians working on the cleanup, as well as for the victims and their families. Restoration firms have to remain proactive and not be reactive when dealing with clients in these situations, which means they should have a list of resources on hand. These resources should not just be “googled,” says Powell. The list should include businesses you have a personal relationship with, and these services can range from psychologists to senior sitters and pest services. “Some homes we service have a pest issue. Be able to refer a pest service that can help,” he says. “Create a personal relationship with a service that you can have on speed dial.”