First Aid For Nose Bleed

A nose bleed is often caused by a direct blow to the face or head, high blood pressure problems, or the use of blood thinning medications, including aspirin. It's hard to know how much bleeding occurs during a nose bleed because the victim often swallows some blood.

Signs & Symptoms:
- Bleeding from one or both nostrils
- Spitting up or vomiting blood
- Headache, fullness of the sinus and ears
- Trouble breathing

Tips:
- Do not ask the victim to lean their head back.
- Do not use an ice pack on the nose or forehead.
- Do not press on the bone/bridge of the nose between the eyes.
- Do not pinch nostrils and press into face if broken face bones are suspected.
- Put on gloves or find a barrier for your hands.
- Have victim sit, leaning forward, and gently blow out blood clots. Immediately pinch together the soft part of both nostrils while pushing into the face bone.
- Continue constant pressure for 5 minutes, pinching harder if bleeding persists.
- Seek medical assistance if you're unable to control the bleeding after 15 minutes, or if bleeding is heavy, or the victim has trouble breathing.