If you are going to be handling syringes anytime in the near future, then it’s crucial that you know what you are doing. This type of device is in a medical grouping of tools called “sharps” and it’s pretty easy to see why they’re called that! You can easily stab yourself or hurt someone else when you don’t know how to properly work with a syringe. Plus, anytime you are using a medical device, there is always the risk of spreading some kind of bodily fluids or infections that can spread from person to person. Such medical errors kill thousands each year. And the fact that syringes can be used both inside and outside of medical establishments is even more of a reason to know what you’re doing before you use one.
No matter whether you’re using a syringe in a hospital or at home for some condition you have, make sure that you keep reading down below to learn the top safety tips you’ve got to know when using a syringe. Trust us when we say that you’re going to be much better off when you keep the below safety tips in mind. You are going to be safer and the people around you are going to be safer when you do. Keep reading to learn more!
1. Identify Which Syringe to Use for The Desired Task
The first thing that you’ve got to understand is what kind of syringe you need for the task you have at hand. There are tons of different types of syringes. Some are better for some medical tasks than others. For example, if you need a thinner needle, then you should get a syringe that has that. Or if you need a thicker needle, then make sure you’ve taken that into account. If you’re not sure which syringe you need for your task, then speak to a doctor or your medical supervisor and you’ll get the information you need to know. This is crucial to understand as with any other medical device. If you use the wrong syringe, you could end up hurting yourself or hurting the person you are administering fluids to.
2. Take Precautions During Use
The next thing to keep in mind when using syringes is that you’ve got to take caution when you’re using one. Even though this might seem like a harmless instrument, it’s definitely not a tool. If you’re not careful when you’re using a syringe, you could end up stabbing yourself or anyone else around you. Or you could end up spreading around some infection that can put others into harm’s way.
The best way that you’re going to stay safe when using a syringe is to make sure you are awake, alert, and ready to go when using one. Never handle a syringe or any other medical instrument when you are sleepy or under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This is one of the worst things that you could do when handling any kind of medical instrument as you are much more likely to make a mistake. This is important to remember especially when you are using a syringe on a personal basis for any condition you have. If you mess up, then you could end up with an injury that lands you a stay in the hospital.
3. Learn the Correct Way to Dispose
There is a correct way to dispose of syringes and many incorrect ways. This is one of the most important things you need to do when using syringes. Right after you finish using a syringe or any other sharp, they should go into a bin that’s dedicated to sharps and syringes. These containers can be found in any pharmacy and are essential to keep them away from other waste products. Plus, these containers come with plastic that are puncture proof, which means the sharps won’t be able to break through and injure anyone when you dispose of them. If you can’t get one of these FDA approved bins, then you can use a regular heavy-duty bin that will keep all of the syringes safe inside.
However, no matter what you do, make sure that you always dispose of your syringes. You should never leave syringes laying around. Someone else could get ahold of the syringes, injure themselves, or spread some kind of infection around. This is another precaution that you have got to take whenever you are using some kind of syringe.
4. What to Do in Case of Needle Stick
If you find yourself being stuck with a used needle or some other type of sharp medical object, then there are certain steps you need to take immediately. The first thing that you need to do is properly cleanse the affected area. Wherever the syringe went into your skin, make sure to wash it away with soap and water. Then you should rub a skin disinfectant on it to ensure that you’ve gotten away any bacteria or potentially life-threatening substances. The next thing you need to do is go to a medical professional right away. He or she is going to run plenty of tests to see if you were infected with any kind of infection or disease. This is pretty common whenever you accidently stick yourself with a used syringe.
These same steps are going to count whenever you get any bodily fluids around your eyes, ears, nose, or in your mouth. No matter what, make sure that you get to a doctor so he or she can check out your condition and determine what next steps need to be taken.
There you have it! When you’re using a syringe, you’ve got to keep these important safety tips in your mind. If you’re going to be using these devices or any other sharp medical devices, you need to remember that they are not toys. Syringes are super sharp objects that can easily injure anyone who is using them or anyone who is around and unaware of the dangers. This counts regardless of whether you are using syringes for a personal use or for medical usage.
