What should be performed first in the event of a healthcare provider sustaining a needle-stick injury?

In the event of a healthcare provider sustaining a needle-stick injury, the first step should be to wash the affected area with soap and water. This action is crucial because it helps to reduce the risk of infection by removing any potential pathogens that may have entered through the skin. Immediate cleansing of the wound minimizes the chance of transmission of bloodborne pathogens, such as HIV and Hepatitis B and C, which could be present on the needle.

Following washing, reporting the injury to a supervisor and seeking medical evaluation are also important steps that should be taken promptly; however, these actions come after the initial decontamination of the wound. Documentation is vital for record-keeping and following up on protocols, but it does not address the immediate health concern of infection. Overall, immediate washing of the injury site takes precedence in order to ensure the safety and health of the individual involved.