6-760   TREATMENT OF HUMAN BITE OR NEEDLE STICK
Approved April 2004

POLICY

The Agency will have procedures established for the treatment of human bite and needle stick.

PROCEDURE

Staff will be aware of needle stick risks:

• 0.3% risk of acquiring HIV,
• 3-10% risk of acquiring Hepatitis C,
• 30% risk of acquiring Hepatitis B.

Step 1  - Administer First Aid

1. Allow puncture or bite site to bleed freely.
2. Wash area well (two to four minutes) with soap and water.
3. Cleanse area with alcohol wipe.
4. Apply dressing if necessary.
5. Identify client source of contaminated needle or bite if possible.

Staff member must:

Step 2 – Seek Immediate Medical Treatment

1. Go to the emergency department at the Brantford General Hospital.  Upon arrival at the ER, inform the triage nurse of the needle stick injury or human bite.  This is critical because if it is determined that the prophylactic treatment for HIV is necessary, it must be administered within 3 hours of the injury.
2. An appropriate risk assessment will be done to determine the risk of infection for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C or HIV.
3. Should have Hep B Immunoglobulin as determined by the physician if only received one administration of Hep B vaccine or was a non-responder to Hep B series.  (Did not become immune after receiving the Hep B vaccine series.)
4. Start Hep B vaccine series, if not done.  Requires 3 administrations of Hep B vaccine over a 6-month period in adults.

Step 3 – Reporting

1. Complete staff injury report.
2. H/R will file appropriate WSIB forms.  This must be reported as soon as possible after treatment has been sought.

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