A universal grip catheter apparatus comprising: a catheter adapter having a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end supporting a catheter , the catheter adapter further including a securement platform that includes at least one wing-like extension, the securement platform having a planar surface; and a needle hub having a distal end and a proximal end , the distal end slidably coupled to the proximal end of the catheter adapter, the proximal end of the needle hub further including a needle , wherein the needle extends through a central portion of the needle hub and a central portion of the catheter adapter , whereupon a tip of the needle extends beyond a tip portion of the catheter, the needle hub includes a distal rigid or semi-flexible extension forming a paddle grip having upper and lower gripping surfaces and extending outwardly from the needle hub , wherein the paddle grip is positioned adjacent to a body portion of the catheter adapter in a parallel orientation, characterized in that the wing-like extension is positioned opposite the paddle grip , and the needle hub includes a first gripping surface and an oppositely positioned second gripping surface , wherein an outwardly extending portion of the first gripping surface includes a first guard feature , wherein an outwardly extending portion of the second gripping surface includes a second guard feature , wherein the first guard feature is interposed between the first gripping surface and the catheter adapter , wherein the second guard feature is interposed between the second gripping surface and the catheter adapter , wherein the first and second guard features are located on an outer surface of the needle hub , wherein the first and second guard features provide a physical barrier to prevent a user from contacting the catheter adapter . a catheter adapter having a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end supporting a catheter , the catheter adapter further including a securement platform that includes at least one wing-like extension, the securement platform having a planar surface; and a needle hub having a distal end and a proximal end , the distal end slidably coupled to the proximal end of the catheter adapter, the proximal end of the needle hub further including a needle , wherein the needle extends through a central portion of the needle hub and a central portion of the catheter adapter , whereupon a tip of the needle extends beyond a tip portion of the catheter, the needle hub includes a distal rigid or semi-flexible extension forming a paddle grip having upper and lower gripping surfaces and extending outwardly from the needle hub , wherein the paddle grip is positioned adjacent to a body portion of the catheter adapter in a parallel orientation, characterized in that the wing-like extension is positioned opposite the paddle grip , and the needle hub includes a first gripping surface and an oppositely positioned second gripping surface , wherein an outwardly extending portion of the first gripping surface includes a first guard feature , wherein an outwardly extending portion of the second gripping surface includes a second guard feature , wherein the first guard feature is interposed between the first gripping surface and the catheter adapter , wherein the second guard feature is interposed between the second gripping surface and the catheter adapter , wherein the first and second guard features are located on an outer surface of the needle hub , wherein the first and second guard features provide a physical barrier to prevent a user from contacting the catheter adapter . <EOS>