Creating a Standard Operating Procedure for Needlestick Injuries as a Supplement to the Exposure Control Manual for the Philadelphia Fire Department's Infection Control Program

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate risk factors for needlestick injuries among the Philadelphia Fire Department’s Firefighter-EMTs and Paramedics. The results of this analysis was then be used to design a site-specific standard operating procedure to prevent and mitigate the effects of needlesticks and other sharps injuries. Methods: Data from 62 needlestick injuries reported to and recorded by the Exposure Control Officer of the Philadelphia Fire Department’s Infection Control Office [ICO] between September of 2001 (when the ICO was established) and November of 2010 were analyzed. This was a retrospective study. Results: Analysis of the needlestick and sharp injury data has found trends in the data collected. There were no seroconversions to HIV, HBV, or HCV among those who were injured during the time period studied. 46 of the needlesticks reported were found to be of clinical significance, and 19 were determined to have been preventable. Fire service paramedics were most likely to suffer needlestick injury. Needlesticks occurred most often on Saturdays, in October and March, and at night. The average cost per needlestick injury paid by the City of Philadelphia was $1317.54. Conclusions: While no seroconversions to HBV, HCV, or HIV were found, needlestick injuries remain a serious threat to the health of Philadelphia Firefighter-EMTs and Paramedics. They are also costly to the City of Philadelphia. Because of this a Standard Operating Procedure must be written and implemented as part of the Philadelphia Fire Department’s Exposure Control Manual.%%%%M.P.H., Public Health – Drexel University, 2011