I was recently rushed to the hospital for low blood pressure. I was in an ambulance?

Question

And they stuck me with a needle (don't know why) and then they took blood at the hospital. Should I be worried if their needles weren't clean? I'm going to get tested tomorrow to make sure. Should I be worried ? Don't hospitals and ambulance people use clean needles?

Answer 1

Sweetheart, you have nothing to worry about. If you were stuck by a needle in an ambulance it was done by the paramedics. They were probably starting an intravenous "IV" drip. If you were hypotensive IV fluids would bring up your blood pressure. Blood was taken at the hospital to check your fluid and electrolyte balance, they needed to find out why there was a sudden drop in your blood pressure. IV's are usually used in a hospital as a precaution, i look at it as a life saving mechanism actually. If something happened thats how they "push" medications. IV or intramuscular medications work significantly faster than meds given by mouth "PO".

Paramedics receive instruction from a emergency room physician, they follow a standard protocol and also get orders in the field from the doctor. In the US, hospitals as well as ambulances have to follow OSHA and JHACO regulations. So dont worry, you will be fine. If you insist, go ahead and get bloodwork done. Best of luck!!

Answer 2

3 years ago, I was diagnosed - hypertension with a reading of 160/100. I used to feel dizzy a lot, my legs had awful cramps, and levels were very low in my potassium, causing my fingers and toes to always cramp together. One day I started to feel really faint while I was driving with my daughter in the back seat and I passed out, hitting 3 cars and ending up in a ditch. That moment,I knew I had to do something because my meds weren't working. I heard about this diet from a friend and thought I'd give it a shot. The results have been remarkable. In just 21 days, I honestly can't remember feeling this good, my blood pressure went from 175/110 to 125/70.

Answer 3

If you are in the US, the FDA requires that all ambulances and hospitals use 1 time use sterile needles. You really have nothing to worry about.

Answer 4

It's the law that paramedics are expected to use sterile equipment the same as hospitals. You need to inquire as to why they 'stuck you' with a needle. It could be that they used a drug to help elevate your blood pressure if it was dangerously low.

Answer 5

Yes, all needles (if you are in a developed country) are new. The old ones are thrown away immediately after use (if you saw a red plastic box with a biohazard sign, that's where they dispose of them). They always use new ones. This is the law.

However, in some poorer countries (like in Africa), they can't afford it. But I doubt you would be on the internet if that was your case.

Answer 6

You can almost be certain that the needles used were sterile.

Answer 7

you are perfectly fine. everytime a needle is used.....it must be a new one. you are fine. dont be nervous. you dont need to be tested. it would be a major lawsuit if a needle was used twice. you are fine.

Answer 8

Of course they use clean needles --- don't worry !!!!