How to Treat a Nosebleed
Nosebleeds are very common and most can be treated without
professional help but occasionally help is needed.
What to do if you notice that someone is having a nosebleed:
- Sit them down with their head tipped forward – this will
drain the blood down the nose instead of the back of the throat
- Pinch the soft part of the nose just above the nostril for
10 – 15 minutes
- Place an icepack covered with a towel of cloth holster on
the bridge of the nose.
- Tell the casualty to breath through their mouth.
- Give the casualty a disposable cloth or dressing to mop up
the blood
- Keep the casualty upright rather than lying down as this
reduces the blood pressure in the nose.
When to Seek Medical Advice
- If the casualty is taking blood thinning medication
- If the casualty has other symptoms such as amnesia or
shortness of breath
- If the casualty is less than 2years
Seek Emergency Help
- If the bleeding continues for longer than 20 minutes
- If the bleeding is very heavy
- If they are having difficulty breathing
- If they swallow blood and vomit
- If the nosebleed comes after an accident
