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  • Nosebleed (Epistaxis)

    Falling or getting hit in the nose can result in a nosebleed. Other, nontraumatic causes of nosebleeds include breathing dry air and changes in altitude. Certain medical conditions (such as hypertension, or high blood pressure) and the use of certain medications (such as blood thinners) can make a person more susceptible to nosebleeds.

    In most cases, you can stop a nosebleed by having the person pinch his or her nostrils together while sitting with his or her head slightly forward.

    What can cause a nose injury or nosebleed?

    Causes may include:

    • Fall or hit to the nose
    • Dry air conditions
    • Changes in altitude
    • Medical conditions such as high blood pressure
    • Medications such as blood thinners
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    Emergency Steps

    1

    Check the scene safety, form an initial impression, obtain consent and put on PPE, as appropriate.

    2

    Check for signs and symptoms.

    • Blood volume equal to about half a soda can* (less in children)
    • Blood flowing continuously or spurting from nose*
    • Bleeding from one or both nostrils

    *Note: Signs and symptoms with a * require immediate emergency medical treatment.

    3

    Call 9-1-1 and get equipment if the person requires immediate emergency medical treatment.

    4

    Give Care.

    Giving First Aid Care

    To care for a nosebleed:

    • Have the person sit slightly forward
    • Pinch the nostrils continuously for 10-15 minutes to prevent blood from pooling in the throat.

    Seeking Professional Medical Help

    Advise the person to call 9-1-1 if:

    • The person has a head/neck/spine injury (e.g., concussion)
    • They have severe/gushing bleeding.
    • The bleeding does not stop after 15 minutes of pressure.

    Advise them to contact their healthcare professional if they are on anticoagulants or they have a clotting disorder and the bleeding will not stop.

    Nosebleeds FAQs

    Why is it important to have the person with a nosebleed have their head slightly forward?

    This position keeps blood from pooling in the back of the throat, which can lead to choking or vomiting on blood.

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    Information Provided the Scientific Advisory Council (SAC)

    Behind every American Red Cross training program stands the Scientific Advisory Council - a team of experts dedicated to ensuring that what you learn is based on the latest and best emergency science. Visit redcross.org/take-a-class/scientific-advisory-council to see how we work, members, sub councils, scientific reviews, and recent research.

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