What does getting the NPA stuck up your nose feel like?

2018-05-25T17:23:49-04:00

Any medics out there?? I'm shipping out here soon and then after boot will be at the one and only Fort Sam Houston. I got word about the NPA training, I am an EMT myself, but in civilian classes, we only had to practice on dummies.. so now I'm super nervous lol. I don't flinch at the thought of needles but the NPA and the videos are a little cringy. But I'm gonna have to go through it anyway so how bad is it? is it a pain or just pressure? on a scale from 1 to 10? thanks!

( P.S don't get me wrong I can handle some pretty gruesome stuff, as I said before, I am currently an EMT. this is just new)

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made May 25 at 2018 5:29 PM

2018-05-25T17:29:17-04:00

Not a medic, but had to do it and had it done to me in Combat Life Saver classes, and its a bit...oh, I'll say "funky" to have it slide (and kinda "pop") into your nose, but its not that bad really.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2018 5:30 PM

2018-05-25T17:30:24-04:00

It burns, it’s not too bad at all. If you hyperextend the PTs neck and encourage them to swallow as you insert it, it will go much easier. Also push straight back instead of following the curvature of the nose, their designed to go right in.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2018 5:30 PM

2018-05-25T17:30:47-04:00

It's a weird sensation. It's very uncomfortable but not painful. That's why it's weird. You wouldn't think something the size of your finger would be able to go in your nose and down your throat, but it does and it can. Just keep "swallowing" while they're emplacing it, that will help the process of getting it down.

Response by SPC Neil Hood made May 25 at 2018 5:31 PM

2018-05-25T17:31:13-04:00

Stings a bit, small nasopharynx or turbinates May cause bleeding. But ultimately it’s uncomfortable thankfully it’s only in for a few seconds.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2018 5:32 PM

2018-05-25T17:32:33-04:00

I reacted HORRIBLY to it, strong burn and I bled like a mofo. Of all things the NPA was the worst (for me.)

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2018 6:25 PM

2018-05-25T18:25:37-04:00

Use lots of lube and you’ll be fine

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2018 8:05 PM

2018-05-25T20:05:31-04:00

Just uncomfortable, you'll soldier through it just fine.

Response by TSgt David L. made May 25 at 2018 8:30 PM

2018-05-25T20:30:19-04:00

Use the right size!! It's not something I want to give or receive put if it's lubed enough it's fine. Feels better when it's out!

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2018 9:22 PM

2018-05-25T21:22:05-04:00

You’re only required to take two but you’ll take plenty more as a simulated patient throughout Whiskey phase. If you’re smart and sneaky enough you can trim them all the way down and make it look like you got one. Just make sure to throw it away quick after the index. Getting stuck is a part of being a medic, too. After a while you’ll get used to it and have plenty of cool track marks to prove it.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 26 at 2018 5:18 AM

2018-05-26T05:18:47-04:00

Too easy..... just be the first to volunteer for it. Great experience. I volunteered for the NPA in CLS. It is uncomfortable but once it is in you get a complete understanding of its purpose.

Response by 1st Lt Private RallyPoint Member made May 26 at 2018 9:01 AM

2018-05-26T09:01:13-04:00

My advice...volunteer to let the experienced Whiskey (combat medic) instructor demonstrate on you. I did and then I didn’t have to “find a partner” to learn on me. You can have a pro do it or the new kid sitting next to you. One of the better ideas I had while at Ft. Sam.

Response by SPC Klay King made May 26 at 2018 5:35 PM

2018-05-26T17:35:34-04:00

Just don’t ever volunteer for a FAST 1

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2018 12:22 AM

2018-05-27T00:22:32-04:00

It depends on how good the soldier is at placing an npa in your nose. I've had some that were slightly uncomfortable and some that felt like someone was carving my nasal cavity with a knife

Response by SPC Brian Lysek made May 27 at 2018 5:35 PM

2018-05-27T17:35:24-04:00

Uncomfortable, but better than running nine miles(1 0ut of 10). I was instructing a CLS course and had the 17 year old just out of AIT drop one in me without an issue.

Response by SPC Tom Claymon made May 27 at 2018 9:02 PM

2018-05-27T21:02:23-04:00

Like anything else...just do it!! You will get thru it just fine!!

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2018 2:26 AM

2018-05-28T02:26:22-04:00

It's fine if your septum is normal. Mine is deviated and pretty jacked up to where you gotta twist and push quite a bit. The pain never goes above a 3 though, and that's stretching it.

Response by SSG Kasius McCall made May 28 at 2018 10:49 PM

2018-05-28T22:49:10-04:00

That’s what your worried about? Jesus.

Response by PVT Private RallyPoint Member made May 29 at 2018 3:52 PM

2018-05-29T15:52:57-04:00

to everyone who has responded, THANK YOU. even though some of you sound horrified from the experience, your replies have surprisingly made me less anxious!

Response by Jeanette Duvall made May 29 at 2018 8:04 PM

2018-05-29T20:04:19-04:00

I am a highly considering joining 68W, can anyone tell me what I will have to go through this basic and job training?

Response by MSG Frederick Otero made May 29 at 2018 8:54 PM

2018-05-29T20:54:34-04:00

Back in the day we paired up and placed them. The fun part was recording the experience then playing it back at lights out and trying to figure out who was responsible for the sounds being made. The laughter that night made it all worth while. I will skip over the digital rectal exam recollections.

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made May 29 at 2018 9:02 PM

2018-05-29T21:02:41-04:00

Response by SSG Trevor S. made May 30 at 2018 12:59 AM

2018-05-30T00:59:06-04:00

Practice on yourself. You'll get the feel of how to turn it slightly to get it going in with the least issues. It's kinda odd, but not really a big deal.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 30 at 2018 3:23 PM

2018-05-30T15:23:55-04:00

Swallow as it goes in, and use lots a lube.

Response by SPC Tom Dardas made Jun 1 at 2018 9:16 PM

2018-06-01T21:16:37-04:00

Shhhh.... don't fight it.... juuuuust let it happen ... lol

Response by CPL David Witt made Jun 2 at 2018 2:18 PM

2018-06-02T14:18:24-04:00

During CLS I always demonstrated the NPA on myself, it's a slight pressure but once it's in the pressure goes away eventually goes away. I would say it compares to water up your nose in a swimming pool. Completely normal for watery ears since it does put pressure on your tear ducts. FYI those with wide nostrils or big noses have almost zero pain.

Response by SFC David Bentley made Jun 4 at 2018 9:51 PM

2018-06-04T21:51:36-04:00

Be the one that volunteers for the FAST 1 IO, your peers will respect you.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2018 9:26 AM

2018-06-07T09:26:34-04:00

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=PhB8Izmt3Jg It’s not too bad

Jose NPA Self Insertion

Jose NPA Bored at Work decided to insert an NPA in himself.

Response by PV2 Barry Duff made Jun 8 at 2018 11:18 PM

2018-06-08T23:18:36-04:00

The lube is the best part! Really does not hurt unless roughly inserted

Response by SPC Ryan Boller made Jun 13 at 2018 9:31 AM

2018-06-13T09:31:16-04:00

It burns a little.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 14 at 2018 6:11 PM

2018-06-14T18:11:22-04:00

You’ll be alright

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 20 at 2018 5:24 AM

2018-06-20T05:24:17-04:00

Hello PVT Gold. Yes you will have to go through NPA training that will be during the field craft side of 68w. If you have already have your NREMT then you will be able to accelerate and your AIT will be shorter.

Response by SSG Bradford Yates made Jun 20 at 2018 6:40 PM

2018-06-20T18:40:44-04:00

Pvt. Gold,Just calm down,focus, and you will do fine. Was a 91-B40, when I was in. I've taught C.P.R.&First Aid for 25yrs. Like 2lt.Kyle said use some lub,goes down easier. But it's what works for different people.I also was a E.M.T. Practice,practice,Etc,etc.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 21 at 2018 9:58 PM

2018-06-21T21:58:18-04:00

Definitely volunteer so the instructors can do it.

Response by SSG Michael Johnson made Sep 21 at 2018 11:38 PM

2018-09-21T23:38:13-04:00

Piece of cake

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 2 at 2021 1:55 PM

2021-08-02T13:55:03-04:00

All depends at how extensive your experience in bugger retrieval is... If given an option, smaller numbers (measured in French) feel better (look for an 18FR).