1 Control bleeding
3Clean victim
2Assess situation
Nosebleed
BLEEDING FROM THE MOUTH • NOSEBLEED
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A nosebleed is most often caused by the rupturing of blood vessels inside the nostrils. This can happen following a blow to the nose, sneezing or blowing the nose. Nosebleeds occur more frequently during bouts of cold or flu when the blood vessels are more fragile. The aims of first-aid treatment for a nosebleed are to control the bleeding and to comfort the victim. A child, in particular, may find the sight and smell of the blood upsetting.
TREATING A NOSEBLEED
1 Control bleeding
• Seat the victim with her head leaning forward over a bowl.
• Ask her to pinch her nose just below the bridge and to breathe through her mouth. If the victim is a child, pinch it for her.
• Tell her to avoid coughing, spitting, sniffing, swallowing, or speaking, since any of these actions could disturb a blood clot.
3Clean victim
• When the bleeding has stopped, clean the blood away with lukewarm water, ensuring that the victim is still leaning forward.
• Tell the victim to rest for a while.
• Advise her not to blow her nose as it could disturb the blood clots.
Clean gently with cotton
Pinch her nostrils together for 10 minutes
Tell her to spit into a bowl
2Assess situation
• After 10 minutes, release the pressure on the victim’ s nose.
• If the bleeding continues when the pressure is released, pinch her nose for 10 more minutes.
• If, after 30 minutes, the nose is still bleeding, take her to the hospital. Keep her leaning forward.
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Important
• Do not allow the victim to lie down or tilt her head back; the blood could trickle
down her throat and cause vomiting.
• If the blood is thin and watery, this indicates a fractured skull. Seek medical help immediately.