Where can I get Saline to overcome my fear of needles?

Question

I have an extreme fear of needles. It’s so bad that I pass out and vomit when getting any kind of blood work or vaccine. I joined a local EMS unit, and knowing my risks of disease exposure, I want to be able to get my fear of needles out of my system, and get those vaccines that I should have.

Over time, looking at the medics do their job, I watch them use needles. In addition, I have a friend who is diabetic, who requires daily insulin injections, which I also watch. All this have lightened my fear of needles, but I’m still afraid. My diabetic friend understands my fears, because she was afraid of needles/ She told me when she was first diagnosed, the camp she went to showed her how to self-administer insulin using saline. She said that whenever I am ready, she will let me use one of her unused needles to help get over my fears, and if I could get saline, that she will help me with that fear. Do I need a prescription for saline, or can i get it from a pharmacy OTC

Please note:

* I am BLS, not ALS. we do not carry medicine at all

* I am looking for sterile solution. I am not looking for a “high” or anything of sorts. I am just trying to feel the needle in a controlled, comfortable setting. I am aware of the dangers of this practice, that is why I am doing this under the supervision of the diabetic friend. This is a practice done at diabetic camps in the area, for children and parents of who have recently been diagnosed with type 1. This is a senseless fear I am trying to overcome. If anyone who has similar fears who have overcome this in a different manner, please answer here as well.

Answer 1

This whole process sounds a little scary...as in maybe a little unsafe. Whatever you do, you want to get STERILE saline solution. I would ask the EMT's or Paramedics in your EMS unit about this whole self injection business. I don't particularly like needles, either, but instead of trying to inject myself, I just turn my head away when I am getting a shot or blood drawn. Try to think about something else...be safe.

Answer 2

Steve,
If you have joined an EMS unit then you should know exactly where to get NaCl since every unit carries normal saline in not only IV bags but also in small pink tubes. You should also be aware if you are an EMT that saline is used to clean wounds out in the field. Shooting up saline or any other substance is no way to overcome a fear of hyperdermics.

Answer 3

I'm sure you can buy stearlized saline at any drug store that also carries medical supplies.

Answer 4

This doesn't sound like a good idea to me at all. I don't think injecting anything into your bloodstream is a good idea unless you really have to. Please, find another way to conquer your fear.