How to give yourself an injection

Being another in the infrequent series of Public Service Announcements. Many thanks to the Lioness for this lesson.



Should you ever be in the unfortunate position of having to give yourself an injection, here's how to do it. Note that I am right-handed, lefties should adjust accordingly.

First, the problem This arises from our frequent experience of having been given injections. The doctor holds the needle between the fingers of her right hand, with her thumb on the plunger, and jabs it into us in a thrusting right-to-left motion. This is perfectly normal and correct for her because the posture and motion are natural and relaxed.

When we ourselves pick up a needle, it seems obvious to hold the needle as she did and inject ourselves in the right side. Not so! If you try it, you will find your wrist and elbow severely contorted. Your motions will be stiff and unnatural, resulting in bad aim and a shaky hand — not good.

And now, the solution The correct way to self-inject is as shown in the photos. Hold the body of the needle between thumb and second-to-fourth fingers, with your first finger on the plunger and the needle pointing back towards your wrist. Inject yourself in the left side, pulling not thrusting, in a left-to-right motion. This ensures that your wrist and elbow remain relaxed and in a natural posture, resulting in better aim and less hand shake.

And now, if you'll excuse me, I need to lie down again.