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Simple First Aid Guide to Nosebleeds

This simple first-aid guide to nosebleeds has been designed to provide information for the effective treatment of a person that has had a nosebleed.


A nosebleed, also known as epistaxis, is an instance of bleeding from the nose. Blood can flow down into the stomach, and cause nausea and vomiting.

Nosebleeds are not ordinarily a sign of anything serious. They are common, most particularly in children, and most nosebleeds can be easily treated with effective first aid.


Causes of a nosebleed

The inside of the nose is delicate and nosebleeds may happen when it's damaged. Nosebleeds may be caused by:

  • Picking your nose

  • Blowing your nose too hard

  • The inside of your nose is too dry (maybe because of a change in air temperature)


Nosebleeds that need medical attention

These can come from deeper inside the nose and usually affect adults.

They can be caused by:

  • An injury or broken nose

  • High blood pressure

  • Conditions that affect the blood vessels or how the blood clots

  • Certain medicines, like warfarin

  • Sometimes the cause of a nosebleed is unknown.


Certain people are more prone to getting nosebleeds, including:

  • Children (although they usually grow out of them by 11)

  • Elderly people

  • Pregnant women

First Aid treatment for someone having a nosebleed


If someone is having a nosebleed, ask them to sit down and lean with their head tilted forward.


It is important that you do not tell them to lean their head back as this could cause the blood to trickle down the back of their throat and block the airway.

Ask them to breathe through their mouth and pinch the soft part of their nose. Give them a clean tissue to catch any blood.


After 10 minutes they can release the pressure on their nose. Ask them to pinch their nose again if the bleeding has not stopped. They should do this for two further periods of 10 minutes.


Once the bleeding has stopped, ask them to keep leaning forwards while you clean around their nose with lukewarm water. Once clean, advise them to rest, avoid exertion or blow their nose to prevent disturbing the clots.


If the bleeding is severe, or if it lasts more than 30 minutes, call 999 or 112 for emergency help.



After a nosebleed, for 24 hours try not to:

  • blow your nose

  • pick your nose

  • drink hot drinks or alcohol

  • do any heavy lifting or strenuous exercise

  • pick any scabs


You should advise that a GP is sought if:

  • The child under 2 years old has a nosebleed

  • They have regular nosebleeds

  • They have symptoms of anaemia – such as a faster heartbeat (palpitations), shortness of breath and pale skin

  • They are taking a blood-thinning medicine, such as warfarin

  • They have a condition that means your blood cannot clot properly, such as haemophilia

  • The GP might want to test them for haemophilia or for other conditions like anaemia.


Dynamo Training Solutions first aid guide to
Simple first aid guide to nosebleeds

Dynamo Training Solutions provide a wide range of training courses throughout London, Kent and the Southeast.

This Simple First Aid Guide to Nosebleeds is one of a series of simple first aid guides produced by Dynamo Training Solutions.

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