Accidental Needle Stick Injury in Public Places

Description

In the community setting, a needle stick injury usually arises from the accidental puncturing of the skin by a syringe needle left in places such as in parks, playgrounds, laneways or public toilets. Sometimes, when people are walking in these public areas they accidentally step on a needle left there by somebody else. When a person suffers a needle stick injury, there is usually some anxiety and distress. This is a natural response when thoughts of potential blood borne infections such as HIV, hepatitis B and C occur. However, the risk of catching a serious infection as a result of an accidental needle stick injury is very low. This is because these viruses do not survive for long outside of the body. Most community needle stick injuries involve needles that have been discarded for some time.

Do’s

If you do accidentally get pricked by a needle:

• As soon as possible, wash the area around the puncture for at least 30 seconds, using soap and warm water. Bottled water can also be used if no hand washing facilities are available.
• Cover site with band aid or similar dressing.

• Seek medical advice immediately.

Don’ts

If you find a syringe, do not touch it. If possible, arrange to have the area guarded (particularly if there are children around) then contact your local council or the Clean Needle Helpline for advice. These services can arrange for safe disposal of the needle. (See contact details below).

If you feel able to do so, put the needle in a rigid-walled, puncture resistant container and seal or securely close the container. As an example, you could use a tin with a taped down lid. This container can be put in into an ordinary rubbish bin. If you have any concerns, again contact your local council or the Clean Needle Helpline.

Tips

Remember the risk of catching a serious infection as a result of an accidental needle stick injury is very low. This is because HIV, Hepatitis B and C viruses do not survive for long outside of the body. Most community needle stick injuries involve needles that have been discarded for some time.

Helpful Hints

In seeking medical attention, you should receive support together with advice on the possible need for HIV and/or hepatitis B/C testing, counselling, hepatitis B and tetanus vaccination and medication. In many cases, treatment of the needle mark and counselling is all that is needed. Counselling is an essential part of the support you should receive and is useful in reducing potential stress and anxiety. How much counselling you need will depend on you as an individual, for example your knowledge of disease transmission risk and level of anxiety. All treatment and enquiries are dealt with confidentially.

People often have questions about testing of blood in syringes which have caused the needle stick injury. Testing of blood in syringes is not conducted due to the inability to accurately determine the presence of viruses and due to environmental conditions such as sunlight and heat, which degrade the viruses.

Practical Advice

Treatment, reassurance, counselling and advice can be obtained from your:

• Local GP
• Hospital Emergency Department
• Sexual Health Clinic – see White pages for contacts

Call the Clean Needle Helpline on 1800 633 353 for information and advice. They also have a brochure titled, ‘What To Do If You Find Used Syringes’.