Fact Sheet 8 – Slam: Safer injection HR (Harm Reduction)

Objective

• Reduce risks: infections, abscesses, endocarditis, HIV/HCV, overdose, vein damage.

• Provide a simple checklist + referral points (CAARUD/CSAPA).

When to use it?

• Anyone who slams, is considering slamming, or describes complications (pain, fever, damaged veins).

• For prevention before a weekend / in context of sharing equipment.

Duration: 5–10 minutes.

1) HR principles (non-judgmental)

• Single-use equipment for each injection (zero sharing).

• Hygiene (hands/skin) = prevention of abscesses / septicemia.

• Avoid emergency injection, rushing, or injecting alone.

2) "Safer injection" checklist

☐ Sterile equipment complete (syringe, needle, sterile water, cup, filter, alcohol swab, compresses, tourniquet, sharp container)
☐ Washed hands + cleaned skin
☐ Prepare in a clean, well-lit space
☐ Do not inject multiple times in the same spot
☐ Do not inject in high-risk areas (groin/neck) → professional referral
☐ After: compression, bandage, hydration, rest

3) Warning signs (complications) → consult

• Warm redness, pain, swelling, pus

• Fever, chills, malaise

• Red streak along the arm, painful lymph nodes

• Shortness of breath, chest pain, extreme fatigue (rare but serious)

• Worsening wound

📌 Emergency if fever + major malaise, confusion, chest pain, shortness of breath: 15/112.

4) Resources / referral (France)

• CAARUD : equipment, HR support, wound care, advice

• CSAPA : addiction follow-up, craving, psychiatric comorbidities, reduction/cessation

• CEGIDD : HIV/STI/HCV screening, PrEP/PEP, vaccinations