My last first aid course didn’t mention tampons specifically, but if you need to stop heavy bleeding, anything is on the table.
We were told that the general practice with a major wound was essentially to use a rolled up bandage to wipe the worst of the blood away so you can see where it’s coming from, then put said bandage over the probable artery and apply lots of pressure.
Your job as first aid is to keep someone alive until paramedics arrive. Tissue damage from a tampon gluing itself in can be fixed. Total blood loss less so.
They did say they’re an option for a major nosebleed though.
There are situations where you need to pack a gsw with gauze but a tampon is a terrible thing to use for that and you’d be better off using a tshirt or something.
We explain how improvised tourniquets, wound dressings, splinting and traction devices can be fabricated using items from the high street: nappies, tampons, cling film, duct tape and tablecloths.
My understanding is that this often causes more harm than it prevents. It’s a popular concept, and has been taught by many people, but it’s not a good idea. It makes sense that it would work, but when actually tested it isn’t. Check for yourself though.
FWIW I’ve seen little single use packs of blood clotting powder in the camping section at both Target and Walmart recently (in the last few months) probably worth grabbing a few first aid kits.
They’re also good for bullet wound first aid which makes this a darkly practical thing for 2a fanatics
They’re really not, don’t stick anything in a penetrating wound, that’s a myth.
My last first aid course didn’t mention tampons specifically, but if you need to stop heavy bleeding, anything is on the table.
We were told that the general practice with a major wound was essentially to use a rolled up bandage to wipe the worst of the blood away so you can see where it’s coming from, then put said bandage over the probable artery and apply lots of pressure.
Your job as first aid is to keep someone alive until paramedics arrive. Tissue damage from a tampon gluing itself in can be fixed. Total blood loss less so.
They did say they’re an option for a major nosebleed though.
There are situations where you need to pack a gsw with gauze but a tampon is a terrible thing to use for that and you’d be better off using a tshirt or something.
https://youtu.be/soiku6XyXvQ?si=dJMXjqyttJqsHoJM
Abstract lists tampons as one of the things it would teach how to use in an emergency
To show the quote:
My understanding is that this often causes more harm than it prevents. It’s a popular concept, and has been taught by many people, but it’s not a good idea. It makes sense that it would work, but when actually tested it isn’t. Check for yourself though.
FWIW I’ve seen little single use packs of blood clotting powder in the camping section at both Target and Walmart recently (in the last few months) probably worth grabbing a few first aid kits.