h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I thought this post was great, there's a few of the items on the list which I haven't got in my kit so I guess I'll be stocking up pretty soon.

I would never have thought of the tampon for the nose bleed so thanks for that, the Lillet brands are ideal as they're smaller and the right shape to stick up your nose. I've always used loo roll when I've had a nose bleed in the past but will certainly give the tampons a go next time, they also have the advantage of having string to pull them easily back out again. Not sure how other people would feel if I stuck a tampon up their nose though!

Tampons are a good addition to a first aid kit for a number of reasons, not the least of which is if you appreciate the needs of women.

Of course there are many uses for all types of things. There was one problem that I noticed in the breif scan of the list; and that is that you do not always want to remove an object that has penetrated the body, as this may cause more bleeding. The foreign object sometimes helps stop bleeding and removal could aggravate the problem. In a situation where the removal was not an option, a tampon could quite likely help.

Often a first aid kit is not available, and one must be improvised. Situations arise where action is needed. If you can help, try. Assess the situation and respond accordingly. Try not to panic, but if you do, regain your composure and then:



(You are not at fault for trying to help and failing, nor failing to try; do what you can and think you should)

I'd be worried about tampons up the nose if the bleeding is really heavy, as they expand. Having had tampon-like packing up my nose after operations, it can be painful when getting them back out again, engorged with blood.

Maybe just insert them a little bit, rather than ram them right up...

Mina! Sounds wonderful, hopefully I'll never have the pleasure of having to stick a tampon etc up my nose. It had crossed my mind about the tampon expanding inside the nose, but had assumed it wouldn't be that hard to get out. I've been lucky enough not to suffer heavy nose bleeds or have nasal surgery so far.

In the case of surgery, I think they bang it in with a hammer while I'm asleep, but it's worth thinking about I think.

I have heard that a little direct pressure to the bridge of the nose is a good way to stop a nosebleed.

You have to pinch across the bridge VERY hard, as this seals the blood vessels. Has to be hard though, but it does stop it damn quick (nosebleed suffer).

Mina you're really selling the nasal surgery here! *faints on the floor*

oh, sorry.

got s sinking feeling I'm going to need some again soon.

My solution with mild nose bleeds is to [still still with head tilted back etc etc in line with the normal recommendations] and to breathe in very gently through the nose and out through the mouth. The rationale for this is that oxygen in the air catalyses (helps) blood clotting.

Mina, and a Lillet on it's way to you hon

Radio, suppose it beats toilet roll and tampons Have tried that approach in past.

Can I please point out that the "normal recommendations" for nose bleeds is to tilt the head FORWARDS not backwards - to prevent blood from going down the throat, therefore preventing vomiting/choking, etc.

Also, as per standard first aid training, if the casualty has a nosebleed, nothing should be put up the nose at all. The nose should be held shut on the 'soft, fleshy part' (NOT across the bony bridge at the top of the nose!) and if the bleeding doesn't stop after about 15 mins, then off to the hospital with them...unless you're up the Brecon Beacons in which case you'll have to improvise with the tampons!

Hope this helps...

Well, as I said in 2004, the bony bit is the best place to pinch. That's what I was told by ENT doctors back in the 80s when I was a sufferer, and that's what my son was told just last year by ENT doctors - he's a sufferer too.

Keep in mind that neither tampons nor sanitary pads are sterile - clean, but not sterile.

My family's method for stopping nosebleeds is to fold a bit of paper towel, or better yet, blotter paper, and put it under the tongue, dry. Apparently the moisture it withdraws constricts the blood vessels.

Works for me - I have frequent, but relatively mild nosebleeds.