I need some advice

[Fireboy422]

I was working in the ambulance on a PT and was scratched by a "clean" needle. I'm not sure what to think, I'm fairly unconcerned, I'm just wondering if I'm worrying to much about it. If you have any comments or questions, please let me know, thanks.

-FF D. Betka
NSFD
Norton Shores, MI

[This message has been edited by Fireboy422 (edited 12-17-2000).]

[axman]

Is there any possibility that you got any blood or fluid in your scratch, and are you SURE it was a clean needle, Did it happen before you stuck the patient? Please give us some more information.

[This message has been edited by axman (edited 12-17-2000).]

[LuxRes907]

if it was truly a clean needle, you shouldn't have much to worry about other than the fact that you created a break in your skin, just a spot for bad things to get into you. Would be similar to having a cut and getting someone else's body fluids on your cut. We had on of our EMT-I's get stuck by a paramedic last weekend, needle was clean. Paramedic was going to try a jugular IV start and the EMT-I was maintaing proper positioning of the ET tube, hit a bump with the squad and woops. Wasn't considered an exposure cuz the needle hadn't been used yet.

Just my thoughts, sorry about rambling on

[benson911]

Where was the exposure? It sounds like you just scratched yourself. Get a bandaid, avoid infection.

[Paramark14]

If you are sure it was "clean" then don't worry to much about it. You still need to to notify your supervisor and upon his/her advise complete an exposure form. It boils down to CYA. In our business a needle is no different than a bullet or a flashback, it may take longer, but it will still kill you deader than hell. An exposure report will investigate possible shortcomings in your biohazard disposal program and provide you with documentation if you need it.

Mark
NREMTP
Indiana

[This message has been edited by Paramark14 (edited 12-19-2000).]

[This message has been edited by Paramark14 (edited 12-19-2000).]

[Rescue678250]

Hey...BLS over here.

If it was clean 'big deal'. You stick it in patients why not yourself. If your still worried get a blood test. Your Department should pay for it.

[Fireboy422]

UPDATE

First, thanks for the responses.

The needle was clean, it only went into the IV line before it hit me.
I did go through my supervisor and filled out all the proper paperwork.
I guess I was just a little scared, it was my first "exposure" incident, I wasn't really shure what to think.
Plus, we got the save on this person, so I guess it was kinda worth it!!!

-FF D. Betka
NSFD
Norton Shores, MI

[axman]

If you used it to give a med. iv and the iv was connected to the patient then the needle that stuck you was not clean due to it becoming in contact with the inside of the iv or the port that is connected to the pt, after you start a iv or give a med. if you cant put the needle in the sharps box right away then stick the needle in to the bench seat, at least it will be stuck in the seat and not in you!

[Resq14]

Umm i thought playing darts with needles and the seat cushions was just an urban legend nowadays...

Isn't this now frowned upon? Does anyone still do this?

[emtwannabe]

I wouldn't recommend sticking a used needle into a bench. Our ambulance company had to have an ambulance completely stripped and redone because a medic had the bad habit of doing that and the ambulance ended up totally crawling with hepatitis. I would have just followed local protocol as if you had been exposed, even though you considered the needle "clean".