What is the first action to take if a local anaesthetic needle causes an inoculation injury?

The first action to take if a local anaesthetic needle causes an inoculation injury is to bleed the wound. This immediate step is crucial because allowing the wound to bleed can help to flush out any potential contaminants that may have been introduced into the body with the needle. The rationale behind this action is based on the body's natural response to injury; minimal bleeding can reduce the risk of infection and may help to minimize the amount of foreign material entering the bloodstream.

After this initial action, it is essential to follow appropriate protocols, which may include disinfecting the area, covering the wound, and recording the incident in an accident book for further action and documentation. Each of these subsequent steps is important for ensuring safety and monitoring potential exposure to infectious diseases, but the priority right after the injury occurs is to initiate bleeding.