To give an Intramuscular injection to the leg, first make sure that you know the correct spot in which to put the needle. The diagram below should help.
- If possible, clean the area of the intended injection with an alcohol wipe.
- Hold the syringe as you would a pen, in your dominant hand
- With your free hand, gently press and pull the skin so that it is a little tighter.
- Grip the syringe confidently and inject the needle into the muscle at an angle of about 90 degrees. Keep your hand steady while doing this, just move your wrist.
- Let go of the skin but hold the needle steady
- Pull back on the plunger gently, if blood enters the syringe it means you have hit a blood vessel. If this happens, take the needle out of the leg, throw away all equipment and start again in the opposite side.
- Gently push down on the plunger to inject the medicine, it will be less painful if you do this slowly.
- When the medicine is fully given, remove the needle at the angle it entered and place gauze on the puncture site.
- Dispose of needles safely and never reuse.
If the patient develops a rash, experiences shortness of breath or there is swelling of the face, lips or mouth it is advisable to call 911.
