If you, or any one else, accidentally gets pricked with a needlestick, make sure the wound bleeds and wash
it with soap and water immediately.
Then contact your GP or local casualty department.
The most worrying aspect about this is the thought of a child not realising what a needlestick is, and playing with it. Please help to get the message across to children that it is dangerous to touch any thing with a sharp point which they may find in the open. If they do, they should inform an adult that they know and trust.
Thankfully, it is an extremely rare occurrence in Cambridgeshire, but it is better to be prepared.
If you find a syringe or needle, please call the relevant number below during office hours and arrangements will be made for it to be disposed of safely:
Cambridge City:
01223 458282 (24 hrs)
East Cambs:
01353 616 335 - Mon-Fri 9am - 5pm
01353 667 826 - After hours line
South Cambs:
Environmental Services
08450 450 063 - (Mon-Sat 8.00am-8.00pm)
Fenland:
01354 602 100
Huntingdonshire:
01480 388 388
All Police cars have facilities to dispose of needles, if you find a needle outside of office hours, call your local police station through 01480 456111 (NOT 999), and inform them of your find.
MAKE SURE:
If you want to do something yourself to protect others, cover it with a strong box or tin until someone can collect it.
WARNING: We do not advise moving the needle due to risk of injury
If you move it at your own risk then follow the steps below:
Then contact your GP or local casualty department.
The most worrying aspect about this is the thought of a child not realising what a needlestick is, and playing with it. Please help to get the message across to children that it is dangerous to touch any thing with a sharp point which they may find in the open. If they do, they should inform an adult that they know and trust.
Thankfully, it is an extremely rare occurrence in Cambridgeshire, but it is better to be prepared.
If you find a syringe or needle, please call the relevant number below during office hours and arrangements will be made for it to be disposed of safely:
Cambridge City:
01223 458282 (24 hrs)
East Cambs:
01353 616 335 - Mon-Fri 9am - 5pm
01353 667 826 - After hours line
South Cambs:
Environmental Services
08450 450 063 - (Mon-Sat 8.00am-8.00pm)
Fenland:
01354 602 100
Huntingdonshire:
01480 388 388
All Police cars have facilities to dispose of needles, if you find a needle outside of office hours, call your local police station through 01480 456111 (NOT 999), and inform them of your find.
MAKE SURE:
- You do not touch it
- Do not hide it
- Do not kick it down a drain or out of sight
- Do not put it in a dustbin, litterbin or down a toilet
If you want to do something yourself to protect others, cover it with a strong box or tin until someone can collect it.
WARNING: We do not advise moving the needle due to risk of injury
If you move it at your own risk then follow the steps below:
- Carefully put it into a drinks can or suitable container
- Handle the syringe very carefully, avoiding the needle
- Put the sharp end into the container first
- Make sure you wash your hands thoroughly
Found a Needle or Syringe?
If you can safely take the needle with you it will help medical staff to identify any anti-viral treatment you may need
If you find a small cap for the needle nearby DON’T attempt to place it over the needle. This increases the likelihood of pricking yourself
Click here for information on Needle Disposal Points around the county
© CDAT 2004 - 2005