Nosebleed

Nosebleeds (epistaxis) can be caused by an injury, disease, the environment, high blood pressure, and changes in altitude. They frighten the casualty and may bleed enough to cause shock. If a fractured skull is suspected as the cause, do not stop the bleeding. Cover the nose with a loose, dry, sterile dressing and call the local emergency number or medical personnel.

 

-If the casualty has a nosebleed due to other causes, do the following:

 

1. Keep the casualty quiet, sitting with head tilted forward.

 

2. Pinch the nose shut (if there is no fracture), place ice or cold packs to the bridge of the nose, or put pressure on the upper lip just below the nose. Inform the casualty not to rub, blow, or pick his or her nose.

 

3. Seek medical assistance if the nosebleed continues, bleeding starts again, or bleeding is because of high blood pressure. If the casualty loses consciousness, place them on their side to allow blood to drain from the nose and call the local emergency number or medical personnel.

 

Foreign bodies in the nose usually occur among children. First aid consists of seeking professional medical attention. Nasal damage and the possibility of pushing the object farther up the nose can result from searching and attempts at removal by unqualified personnel.