FREQUENCY OF SHARP INJURIES DURING WORKING HOURS AMONG PARAMEDICAL STAFF OF DHQ HOSPITAL, GUJRANWALA

Introduction: Accidental exposure to blood and body fluids is frequent among health care workers. Over 20 million dedicated health care providers expose themselves to biological, chemical, and mechanical hazards daily. Sharp injuries are one of the most serious occupational accidents. According to various studies done, female staff nurses are the most vulnerable to sharp injuries. It is clear that serious consequence of sharp injuries can be markedly reduced by increasing awareness of safety protocols. So, in this context, we will be carrying out this study to assess the frequency, knowledge and attitude among paramedics regarding sharp injuries. Objectives: To determine the frequency of Sharp injuries among paramedical staff, to identify factors associated with Sharp injuries, to develop awareness & prevention of Sharp injuries. Study Design and Area: Descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in DHQ hospital Gujranwala. Study Duration: 1 month. Materials and Methodology: 50 paramedics were included in our study; all were interviewed by pre formed questionnaire according to our objectives. Results: According to our survey, 24(48%) paramedics who got injured were males and 26(52%) were females; female ratio is 4% more than males. 46% respondents were of age between 15-25 and most of injuries occurred due to patients overload and carelessness. 48% of paramedics were staff nurses working in medical emergency and wards. 24(48%) of paramedics injured more than two times, 18(36%) injured once and 8(16%) injured once in their working hours. 96% of injuries occurred at hands/forearms while 4% at other parts of body. 60% of the injuring instruments were sterilized and 40% were unsterilized .42% injuries occurred during giving injections, 22% while disposing of instruments, 18% while taking samples and 18% during assisting operations. 58% were not aware of the immune status of their patients. 60% of our respondents are vaccinated. After injury 48% allow wound to bleed, 30% wash with antiseptic, 16% wash with water and 14% pressed the wound site to forcefully bleed the wound. Conclusion: Female staff nurses of less than 25 year age group are the most vulnerable to sharp injuries. Most of the injuries occurred while using injection syringes and during patients overload. Keywords: Female staff nurses; Sharp injuries; Injection syringes; Time of patient overloa