Nine-year-old tested for HIV after pricking himself at beach - Yahoo New Zealand News

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The nine-year-old was playing in the sand when he pricked himself with a discarded syringe. (PA)

A nine-year-old boy is awaiting test results for HIV after accidentally pricking himself with a discarded needle on Boscombe beach in Bournemouth.

The boy’s parents Dan and Ferne Spiller said that their son Clayton pulled his out of the sand and “had a dirty syringe in his finger” and were “gobsmacked” by how the Council’s beach ranger handled the situation.

Dan Spiller said that he sought the help of the beach ranger on the promenade, who was wearing a light blue t-shirt.

He asked the ranger what he can do, but the council official reportedly said he “didn’t know where the first aid box was”.

Spiller said: “I am just gobsmacked with how they took care of the situation.

“We live in Bournemouth and know the area very well, we go to the beach all the time,” he told the Daily Echo.

He said he asked where the manager was but the ranger “couldn’t radio through to him,” Spiller said.

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A nine-year-old boy has been tested for HIV after accidentally pricking himself with a needle on Boscombe beach in Bournemouth, pictured. (PA)

The family then went to the lifeguard, who gave them antiseptic wipes, took the needle and advised them to go straight to hospital.

Spiller’s partner, Ferne, took Clayton to hospital where tests were taken.

Read more: UK begins trial of HIV medicine, steroid as possible COVID-19 treatments

But now Clayton’s parents have to spend “eight weeks of worrying” about whether their son has HIV.

Ferne Spiller said: “They were trying to reassure us the chances are low.”

“Because he is under-18 he had injections for hepatitis B and D, we’ll go back in three months for another one. I am just cross, upset and disappointed.”

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The little boy was taken to hospital for tests after an RNLI lifeguard advised them. (Getty)

A spokesperson for BCP Council told the Daily Echo that the seafront team “investigated and claimed no staff working at Boscombe were involved in the incident”.

Yahoo News have contacted Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council for comment.

Meanwhile, an RNLI spokesperson told the publication: “Our lifeguards undergo demanding training to prepare them for the many situations they may face on the beach.

Water rescues are only one area of their work and they deal with many aspects of casualty care, offering first aid and safety advice to anyone who needs their help. Our lifeguards work hard to ensure that everyone who visits the beach is able to return home safely.”

Read more: Have we found a cure for HIV? Five patients are ‘virus free’ months after new vaccine

Injury from used syringes found in community settings like beaches arouses much concern, especially when children find discarded needles.

Needlestick injuries are most like to happen among healthcare workers who are accidentally exposed to infected blood, according to the Aids Map.

Injuries from discarded needles in the community (non-occupational exposure) are less common and infections rare.

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https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMiY2h0dHBzOi8vbnoubmV3cy55YWhvby5jb20vbmluZXllYXJvbGQtdGVzdGVkLWZvci1oaXYtYWZ0ZXItcHJpY2tpbmctaGltc2VsZi1hdC1iZWFjaC0xMTExMjk3ODMuaHRtbNIBa2h0dHBzOi8vbnoubmV3cy55YWhvby5jb20vYW1waHRtbC9uaW5leWVhcm9sZC10ZXN0ZWQtZm9yLWhpdi1hZnRlci1wcmlja2luZy1oaW1zZWxmLWF0LWJlYWNoLTExMTEyOTc4My5odG1s?oc=5

2020-09-07 11:11:00Z
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