I am having real problems opening the little phials (if that is the right term?) that contain things like Vit K without catching my finger on the edge and making it bleed. I have tried several different ways of opening them with no luck.

Just wondered if anyone has any tips I can try to avoid this please?

Thanks. x

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Midwifemissy x

Student Midwife 2007
Student uni rep
Educational Resources Manager

PAB Support Worker

We have special plastic things that go over them to open them with so we dont have the risk of catching fingers etc.. Thought this was national policy now?! Perhaps worth checking?

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Duel X
3rd year student midwife
Moderator

Thanks Duel,

I haven't been told about them, not even in uni, so may be it hasn't reached my trust yet tut.

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Midwifemissy x

Student Midwife 2007
Student uni rep
Educational Resources Manager

PAB Support Worker

As duel says, all hospitals should supply the rubber topper things that open the bottles. My mentor has never shown/told me about them, but my second mentor did so it may be worth you asking.

I always hold the bottle by it's main body ensuring the dot is facing me. I then place my thumb above the dot with my finger behind, and break it away from me. It should break easily that way and as your fingers are on the bottle and above dot, they should be away from area that snaps.

Does any of that make any sense??? I hated snaping them at first and almost cut myself every time, but now I'm used to it and have the nack, I'm fine

I hope that helps, good luck

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If babies needed hands to guide them out,
wouldn't women be born with an extra pair
attached to their inner thighs?

I hate them! Cut myself so's it was quite sore a couple of times - I still can't believe they're not against every health and safety rule ever invented! Seriously - I'm kinda outraged! I've been using a paper towel to protect my poor little fingers!!

cover with a cotton wool ball x

I use a paper towel too, for all of the glass viles.

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Have you just been offered a place? If so and you want a mentor please post in post this forum (also post here if you would like a mentee)

I will try the paper towel next time, I hadn't thought of that. I have been using my plastic apron, but still cut myself lol.


Thanks. x

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Midwifemissy x

Student Midwife 2007
Student uni rep
Educational Resources Manager

PAB Support Worker

When you get the needle out of the packet, use the plastic part of that to hold the top of the vial and then break away from you. It is all contained within the plastic then and can't cut you.
KS x

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Kentish Spitfire
Moderator, Student Services
------------------------------------------------
"It's better to be thought a fool - rather than proved a fool!"

I always use paper towels when opening these as yes they can be quite sharp.

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misscurious x

Forum buddy
PAB support worker

Salford University student midwife wannabe.