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Safer slamming

Avoid re-using or sharing equipment
If you find yourself in a situation where you have to re-use, make sure you only use your own and no one else's.Get into the habit of marking your own syringes so you know which is yours, e.g.: scratch on a letter/ number. You should also flush it through with clean fresh water after use so that it doesn't clog with congealed blood. If this booklet is included in a PIP PAC safer chemsex pack, you will notice colour-coded syringes, spoons and straws to reduce the risks of sharing and the transmission of blood-borne infections (BBV), inc. HIV and Hep C.

Needles for injecting
The gauge (G) of a needle refers to the thickness of the needle. Lower numbers, e.g.: 18G) mean thicker needles. Higher numbers, 30G) mean thinner needles. Higher gauges are often used to reduce vein damage and discomfort. For example, PIP PAC safer chemsex packs include 29G fixed needle syringes.

Sterile cups, spoons and filters
Sterile packaged cups or spoons with filters are the best choice for dissolving chems in water but avoid torn filters or exposed fibres as they can end up being injected and can cause problems. Dissolving chems in a regular teaspoon is the best alternative but, before use, disinfect the spoon in boiling water or soak in 1-part thin bleach to 10-parts water, remembering to rinse off thoroughly.

Sterile water
Sterile water, available in small ampoules is best for dissolving and injecting. The best alternative is freshly boiled tap water, letting the water cool down before use. Use sufficient water to completely dissolve the drugs. If you are re-using syringes do not share water. Throw away any leftover water after use as bacteria can build up quickly.

Wash your hands and clean the site
Wash your hands before you inject and clean the injection site with an alcohol pad. Alternatively, clean the site with a cotton ball and alcohol, or by washing it with soap and water, drying with a clean paper towel or tissue.

Choose a quiet place
Choose a quiet, safe clutter-free place to slam, ensuring surfaces are clean.

Alcohol pads/ swabs
Alcohol pads are sterile-packed suitable for single use only. By wiping the slam site firmly once with a pad, you disinfect the needle’s point of entry. You can also disinfect the site by washing it thoroughly with soap and water or use a cotton ball and alcohol.

Where to inject
The inside of the elbow and lower arms. Try not to inject below a recent site on the same vein: go above it (towards the heart) so the previous site is not irritated twice. Aim to slam at least 1cm away from your last slam location and rest injecting sites to allow them to heal and reduce scarring. If possible, learn to swap arms.

Injecting elsewhere
Injecting elsewhere else (neck, cock or groin) is potentially very dangerous. If you have done this, we advise to seek advice from a drugs service.

Cotton wool swabs/ kitchen roll/ tissue
Immediately after slamming, press on the injection site with a cotton wool swab/ folded kitchen roll/ tissue to help the site close quickly. This also helps reduce bruising and helps the veins heal faster. Don’t use alcohol pads as they slow down the healing of the wound.