Why Unattended Deaths in Wyoming?

For economic and health reasons, as well as suicide, unattended deaths in Wyoming may lead to public health issues. We know that hospitals tend to release patients sooner than they might because of resource issues. We know too that many people remain at home when ill, refusing to accept help. We also know that many people die without the slightest indication that they are about to expire, which may occur while snoozing on a couch or sleeping in bed. And we know that extreme temperature variations tend to lead to unattended deaths among the elderly.

As a result of dying unaccompanied, the deceased will begin to decompose in a short while, depending on upon temperature. In winter months, the deceased may remain fairly intact as if they are refrigerated by Wyoming's arctic nights and winds. Of course, in the spring and summer months, decompostion occurs rapidly, and within about 72 hours flies begin to place larva, maggots upon and around the deceased. The body's internal environment begins to break down as a result of enzymes and bacteria, autolysis; the body's external environment begins breaking it down by the actions of bacteria, insects, animals, and weather - - termperature. Although the body does cool following death, its internal environment begins to increase in termperature, causing swelling and rupture.

Oftentimes the decomposed body will leave fluids throuhout a room as these fluids flow with the slant of the floor and gravity. In some cases fluids migrate below wood and vinyl floors, and will wick up walls.

Odors ("Miasma")are usually quite strong but not hazardous.

It is the cleaners job to remove all bio-waste and odors within a reasonable time. Bedding, mattresses, box springs, couches, chairs, carpet, and padding are routinely disposed of by the professional biohazard companies.

 

Eddie Evans

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