Accidental Administration of Auto-Injectable Adrenaline into a Digit

• Published in: Dental update Vol. 47; no. 1; pp. 51 - 53
• Main Authors: Wanis, Christine, Jawad, Huda, Moore, Richard J, Burke, Julie
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London George Warman Publications 01-01-2020
• Subjects: Oral Surgery
• ISSN: 0305-5000; 2515-589X
• DOI: 10.12968/denu.2020.47.1.51

General Dental Practitioners (GDPs) and Dental Care Professionals (DCPs) have a duty of care to ensure that patient safety is at the forefront of their clinical practice. Medical emergencies, although rare, can occur in the dental setting, and early, effective management of these emergencies can, not only save lives, but also improve long-term outcomes. A case is reported which highlights a safety incident involving accidental self-administration of an adrenaline auto-injector (AAI) into a digit during a medical emergencies training session. Consequently, the aim is to raise awareness of these unexpected safety incidences and propose a protocol for the treatment of such injuries.
CPD/Clinical Relevance: This paper highlights the importance of vigilance when undertaking a medical emergency training course, and the introduction of a new protocol to be used in cases of accidental AAI injury.