Nosebleeds

TREATMENT:

Weakened or dried out blood vessels in the nose can rupture as a result of a bang to the nose, picking or blowing it. More serious causes of a nosebleed could be high blood pressure or a fractured skull.

• Sit the casualty down and tip their head forward
• Pinch the soft part of the nose and maintain constant pressure for 10 minutes.
• Tell them to constantly breathe through the mouth
• Give the casualty a disposable cloth to mop up any blood while the nose is pinched
• Advise them not to breathe through the nose for a few hours. Avoid blowing or picking the nose and hot drinks for 24 hours.
• If there is constant bleeding for more than 30 minutes, or if the casualty takes “anti-coagulant” drugs, send them straight to hospital in an upright position
• If they suffer from frequent/regular nosebleeds, advise them to visit their doctor