I heard from some people that they continue to cut their hands on glass ampules despite the plastic on the top half of the glass vial. Please put all your ideas here to help others! My suggestions were using the alcohol swab packet (in the THN kit) to hold the bottom half and also coach yourself to be gentle as it is easy to smash the vial when your adrenaline is going!
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Hi! We are not in control of manufacturing unfortunately. We all receive supply from the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC).
I have learned as workarounds always to ensure that your top and bottom hands are protected. Usually, there is a plastic cap on the top of the ampule. And as suggested in the April 24, 2020 post, I fold an alcohol pad on the bottom of the ampule.
The dot can be confusing for people. So instead of focusing on the dot, if you are attempting to break the vial and you get resistance (it should break like a twig), turn the vial slightly and try a different spot for breaking the vial. Sometimes I have to turn the vial several times. This method is often easier than looking for a dot, especially if folks have vision impairment.
ALWAYS take a breath and focus before trying to break the vial. Slowing down at this moment could prevent a broken vial and a cut finger!
if the manufacturer can make one side of the cap attached to the body when we snap it away from us?
Use an alcohol wipe, then slip the opened wipe package overthe naloxone vial. Much better protection this way.
Great instructions.
I've met a lot of people recently that don't know about the silver dot. Spread the word!
Hello Everyone,
The way to break the top off a Naloxone glass vial safely is to:
1. Shake or swirl the glass vial by holding the plastic top.
2. The liquid will be below the top glass cap now.
3. Locate the silver dot on the vial
4. Put your thumb over the dot
5. Snap the top of the vial cap (top) away from you.
The top of the glass Vial will snap away easily and safely without the glass shattering in your hand and potentially loosing all the Narcan or cutting yourself in the process.
The reason this is done this way is the manufacturer has put a tiny score on the glass vial so when you snap the top glass cap away from you it breaks easily.
I Hope this helps.
Tommy