First Aid Tip - Nose bleeds

Aim: To maintain an open airway and control bleeding.

What to do: Sit the casualty down and tilt their head forward to allow blood to drain from the nostrils. Ask them to breathe through their mouth and pinch the soft part of their nose for up to 10 minutes. Advise casualty not to speak, swallow, cough, spit or sniff as this may disturb blood clots that have formed in the nose. After 10 minutes, tell the casualty to release pressure on the nose. If bleeding continues apply pressure for a further 10 minutes. If a nosebleed lasts more than 30 minutes, take casualty to the hospital.