Kidsafe Queensland

The following advice does not take the place of physical medical diagnosis and treatment. If an injury occurs, seek qualified medical attention as soon as possible.

If an adult (permanent) tooth is knocked out:

• Handle the tooth by its crown - not its root
• Rinse tooth in saliva or milk - do not scrub
• Put tooth back in place and hold it there (check it's the correct way round)
• Contact the child's dentist immediately - time is critical

If a baby (deciduous) tooth is knocked out:

• Do not attempt to replace it
• Re-implanting a baby tooth could damage the forming permanent teeth
• Seek prompt help from a dentist for management of injury to lips or gums and to ensure no damage has occurred to any forming adult teeth

If you cannot replace the tooth in its socket:

• Contact the child's dentist immediately

Do not let the tooth dry out:

• store the tooth in milk (not water)
• or hold it in the mouth
• or wrap the tooth in plastic ('cling') wrap (not tissue) (in that order of preference)

The risk of contracting an infection from a needle stick injury in a public place is extremely small. There are no published accounts of HIV, Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C infection after a member of the general public has been injured by discarded injection equipment.

If you find a syringe and wish to dispose of it:

• Never attempt to recap the needle.
• If in a school or childcare situation, have someone on crowd control.
• Ensure the syringe is in full view. If the syringe is obscured by a bush, or is in a dark corner, use tongs or a stick to bring it into full view.
• If you don't have a sharps disposal bin available, find a rigid walled, puncture resistant sealable container large enough for syringes. Do not use a glass container, as it may smash. Do not use cardboard or aluminium cans, as needles can pierce these.
• If possible, wear latex or rubber gloves.
• Take the container over to the syringe and place container on the ground. Do not hold the container in your hands as you are disposing of the syringe.
• Pick up the syringe carefully by the middle of the barrel.
• Place the syringe into the container needle/sharp end first.
• Securely place the lid on the container, holding the container at the top.
• Wash your hands with running water and soap if available or use alcoholic swabs to cleanse your skin.
• If a needle stick injury has not occurred, the container can be placed in the domestic waste provided that the syringe has been placed in an appropriate container.

If a needle stick injury has occurred, do not dispose of the syringe, as it may be needed for testing. Contact your local hospital/community health centre or the Qld Clean Needle Help Line on 1800 633 353 for information.

If you are injured by a needle:

• Stay calm and encourage the wound to bleed (gently squeeze).
• Wash the area with cold running water and soap (if available).
• Apply an antiseptic and band-aid.
• As soon as possible contact your local doctor, hospital, or community health centre.
• Call the Qld Clean Needle Hotline 1800 633 353 for information or to report the injury.