Flu season is just around the corner. That means, as a wellness professional, you’ll likely be dishing out some flu shots pretty soon.

Flu season can be crazy, and events can be incredibly fast paced. It’s important to remember that you’re dealing with potentially harmful tools in a hectic environment. Keep that in mind and try to avoid accidental need sticks as flu season ramps up.

Why are accidental needle sticks harmful?

First—and most obvious—an accidental needle stick is unnecessary pain for whomever gets stuck. This means potential injury to you or our event participants.

Second, accidental needle sticks can happen with dirty needles. This opens up the body to potential infections, which is the last thing you or your participant wants.

Third, accidental sticks are a waste of supplies. A needle can’t be re-used once someone has been poked with it. If you accidentally stick yourself or your participant, that syringe is wasted.

Finally, accidentally sticking yourself or your participant damages not only your credibility, but ours as a wellness company. Many people are uneasy about getting shots in the first place. It’s important that you display your expertise and make them feel comfortable.

How can you avoid an accidental needle stick?

There are lots of ways to avoid accidental needle sticks! First and foremost is to slow down. Events can be fast-paced. Lines can form, and people can rush in over their lunch break. Don’t lose your composure in these situations.

Second, you should keep used, empty and unused, and pre-filled syringes completely separate. This will help you avoid sticking the participant with the wrong needle.

Third, carefully remove the cap off the syringe. The Baksnap syringes we use allow you to avoid recapping, so removing the cap is the part where you need to pay the most attention. Focus on the task at hand and again, take your time.

Fourth, use the Baksnap syringes correctly. They’re designed to help keep you safe from needle sticks by holding the needle inside the barrel and allowing you to snap of the plunger for disposal. Study up on the instructions here.

Finally, dispose of the needles correctly. You’ll have a sharps container at your event for this sole purpose. Remember to snap off the plunger before disposing of the syringe so you don’t run out of room in your sharps container, and to close sharps container lids tightly. If you do run out of room, contact TotalWellness immediately to get another container sent to you.

What should you do if you accidentally get stuck?

Like we said, events are fast-paced. As much as we want to help you avoid accidental needle sticks, they do happen on occasion. If you get stuck, remember:

1. Stay calm.
2. Excuse yourself to wash the injured area. Be sure to squeeze the site and make it “bleed out” under flowing water.
3. Place a bandage on the site.
4. Notify TotalWellness.
5. Continue with and finish your event as scheduled.
6. Fill out an Incident Report.
7. After your event, discuss what happened with TotalWellness.

Flu season is an excellent opportunity for you to help people stay healthy this fall. It can get busy and crazy, so try to keep your composure and focus on safety first.

What concerns do you have about accidental needle sticks at TotalWellness events?