Clinical Notice - Empty Syringes/Contamination of Medicines Pouches

There is an increasing problem with medicines pouches being returned with empty syringes or being contaminated. It is unacceptable for staff to be returning pouches with:

• E/F pouches with used syringes loose 
• E/F pouches with used syringes inside original packaging
• Contaminated materials (e.g. blood on paperwork/pouch)
• Hazardous materials (including used needles and human hair)
• Returning used drugs/broken vials

It is understandable that during an incident such as a catastrophic haemorrhage or cardiac arrest, that some materials may be placed within a pouch or contamination may occur because the crews have no other option at that time, however, there is ample time during decontaminating of equipment or restocking for this to be rectified.

Returning used syringes, especially within the original packaging, can lead to these being recirculated and therefore crews having inadequate drugs while attending life threatening jobs.

Returning contaminated and hazardous waste puts others at risk of contracting infectious diseases.

Please, we ask that once you have finished the job you are attending and are completing paperwork, decontaminating equipment, or restocking/returning used pouches, that you inspect the pouch to ensure no hazardous materials are enclosed or on the pouch and that all used medications/syringes are disposed of appropriately.

If during the incident the paperwork becomes contaminated, we kindly ask that you transfer the following information onto a new piece of paper and place this inside the pouch for auditing purposes: Pouch number, Drug name, Batch No., Expiry date,  CAD No., Date used, Initials of person signing out.

 

We thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Published 23rd December 2022