Project Description:

Needlestick injuries are a persistent concern for healthcare workers, especially those in emergency medical services (EMS) who must give injections in unpredictable and fast-moving environments. Unlike hospital settings where conditions are stable, EMS personnel often prepare and administer medications in cramped spaces, during transport, or amid chaotic scenes. Current safety syringes only protect the needle after the injection is completed, leaving the needle exposed during the moments when risk is highest.  To address this gap, our team developed the Gliding Shield Syringe, an injection device designed to keep the needle protected throughout the entire process.

The syringe features a movable shield that retracts only when pressed against the skin and automatically returns to its protective position when the needle is withdrawn. This continuous coverage, combined with a stabilizing shape, allows the device to function smoothly even when used in motion or under challenging conditions.

Testing of the device demonstrated that it can be operated consistently with one hand and maintains stability during use in simulated mobile environments. These results suggest that the Gliding Shield Syringe reduces opportunities for accidental exposure, improves handling in difficult settings, and provides a safer injection experience for emergency providers. By offering dependable protection from start to finish, this device helps support the workers who deliver care in the most demanding circumstances.