Saidala 24: What to do if someone has a nosebleed that won’t stop?

Nosebleeds are common and often minor, but if bleeding is heavy or persistent, it can be serious and requires urgent action.

1. Immediate First Aid

Sit the person down upright – this reduces blood pressure in nasal veins and slows bleeding.
Lean them forward slightly – prevents blood from flowing down the throat (which can cause nausea or vomiting).
Pinch the soft part of the nose (just below the bony bridge) firmly with thumb and index finger.
- Maintain continuous pressure for 10–15 minutes without checking too soon.
Encourage breathing through the mouth during this time.

Apply a cold compress or ice pack to the bridge of the nose or cheeks – this constricts blood vessels.
Keep them calm and still; avoid talking or swallowing excessively.
After bleeding stops, advise them to:
- Avoid blowing or picking the nose for 24 hours.
- Avoid hot drinks, heavy lifting, or bending forward, as these can restart bleeding.

Seek emergency medical help (911/999/112 or nearest emergency department).
Continue pinching the nose and leaning forward while waiting for help.
If bleeding is very heavy, have them spit blood out instead of swallowing to prevent choking.

Bleeding lasts longer than 20–30 minutes despite pressure.
The person is dizzy, weak, or shows signs of shock (pale, clammy, rapid breathing).
Bleeding is very heavy or comes after an injury to the face/head.
Blood is also coming from the mouth or ears.
The person is on blood-thinning medication (e.g., warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel).
They have a known bleeding disorder (e.g., hemophilia).
Nosebleeds are frequent and unexplained.