Superior Points HRP - Canadian Harm Reduction Network

Needle-Stick Injuries:If a needle-stick occurs, the following first aid is recommended by thePublic Health Agency of Canada (1997) and the Centers for Disease Controland Prevention (2001):1. Wash the affected area well with soap and plenty of water2. Report the injury to an appropriate supervisor3. Seek immediate medical attentionAny injury (scrape, puncture, etc.) involving a needle, regardless of thedegree of injury, must immediately be reported to the SPHRP Manager andthe Supervisor of the community agency operating the needle exchange, ifthe injury occurred at the NEP site.Go to the Emergency Department of the Thunder Bay Regional HealthSciences Centre as soon as possible for follow-up and to request bloodwork. This is crucial for occupational injuries where a W.S.I.B. claim maylater be filed. Staff should also visit their family physician to discuss theneed for Post Exposure Prophalaxis (PEP).While universal precautions are essential, infection rates resulting from aneedle-stick are actually quite low. The risk for contracting Hepatitis C(HCV) by percutaneous exposure (needle-stick) is about 1.8%. Risk forcontracting HIV the same way is only 0.3% (Centers for Disease Controland Prevention, 2001).The needle/syringe does not need to be retained, as the Provincial lab willnot test the residue in the syringe. To ensure safe disposal of the syringe,report its location to Superior Points staff.Needle exchange site staff should also follow their agencyprotocols regarding an injury sustained at work, i.e. report tosupervisor, seek medical treatment, complete paperwork, and soforth.SUPERIOR POINTS HARM REDUCTION PROGRAMProtocols for Staff, Volunteers and Community Agencies15