Used syringe lodges in Mermaid woman’s foot during Christmas holidays
A concerned resident has issued a warning to fellow locals after witnessing a horrifying scene on a popular Gold Coast beach. FULL STORY
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A concerned resident has issued a warning to fellow locals after witnessing a horrifying scene on a popular Gold Coast beach.
On a Facebook community forum, the Mermaid Beach resident said they saw a woman unknowingly step on a used syringe hidden in the sand between Venice St and Dudley St.
The needle was allegedly “hanging out” of the victim’s foot.
“To my fellow beachgoers, please be careful walking on our community beaches,” the witness wrote.
“To the absolute scumbag that has left your syringe in the sand for a young lady to tread on and have it hanging out her foot, you are the worst kind of human being out.
“This poor lady will have to have all the tests under the sun now thanks to your poor choices … this will possibly ruin her Christmas and (she) will never come to the beach ever again.”
Used needle stick injuries run the risk of potential infection from bloodborne viruses such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B and hepatitis C.
While Triple-Zero (000) should be used only in an emergency, a spokesperson from Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) said in the event of a needle stick injury, medical advice should be sought immediately.
“A needle stick injury is rare in the community setting and usually is a result of an accidental exposure through a puncture wound from a needle that has not been disposed of properly,” they said.
“In the event this does occur there will be a high level of anxiety associated with any exposure, however the incident is not an acute emergency and can be managed by the patient’s local GP or healthcare provider.”
QAS said to wash the puncture site straight away for at least 30 seconds using soap and warm water. Bottled water could be used if other washing facilities were not available.
Do not squeeze or rub the puncture site. Cover it with a band aid or similar dressing and seek medical advice immediately through a GP or Medical Centre, 13 Health (13 432584) or by attending a Queensland Health Satellite Hospital or facility.
Another Facebook user commenting on the warning claimed they had found two used syringes this year on Gold Coast beaches.
“I found one at Tallebudgera earlier this year and one on Burleigh Beach,” they wrote.
“Careless negligence.”
Anyone who comes across a used needle is urged to notify Gold Coast City Council of the incident or call the Queensland Clean Needle Helpline on 1800 NEEDLE/1800 633 353.
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Originally published as Used syringe lodges in Mermaid woman’s foot during Christmas holidays
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