We have recently received reports from staff who have opened a sealed major incident pouch, containing anti-nerve agent, to find discharged atropine injectors coming out of their packaging.
This has led to a couple of near-miss needle stick injuries, so please be careful when opening them. If something similar happens to you, please report it on Datix.
In the meantime, please see the below guidance if a needle stick injury occurs.
Occupational exposure incidents are where a member of staff has been exposed to blood or body fluids.
This can happen through:
In the event of an occupational exposure incident, it is important that you are aware of the correct procedure to follow. If the incident is high risk and post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is required, this is more effective the earlier it is started and should ideally be underway within two hours of the incident.
The Trust procedure for managing any occupational exposure incident is:
Immediate action
Assessment
Report the incident
Further information regarding occupational exposure incidents can be found in the IPC Manual on stations or in the Trust’s IPC Safe Practice Guidelines.
Published 24th June, 2016