Which of the following is the correct first aid measure for a nosebleed?

• A. Tilt the head backward and sniff blood back into the throat.
• B. Pinch the nostrils and lean forward; apply cold compress; avoid tilting the head backward.
• C. Keep head upright with no compression.
• D. Apply heat to the nose.

Answer: (B)

The idea is to stop the bleed with direct pressure, keep blood from entering the airway, and use cooling to help vessels constrict. Pinch the soft part of the nose with the fingers and hold for several minutes while the person leans forward slightly so blood drains forward rather than back toward the throat. Do not tilt the head backward—tilting up can cause blood to run into the throat, increasing choking risk and making it harder for a clot to form. A cold compress on the bridge of the nose helps constrict blood vessels and reduce bleeding. After it stops, avoid blowing the nose for a while and monitor for persistent or reoccurring bleeding, which would warrant medical assessment.