Epistaxis, treatment of

To stop epistaxis (a nosebleed), you should: 1. Pinch all the soft parts of the nose together between your thumb and index finger.

2. Press firmly toward the face - compressing the pinched parts of the nose against the bones of the face.

3. Hold the nose for at least 5 minutes (timed by the clock).

Repeat as necessary until the nose has stopped bleeding.

4. Sit quietly, keeping the head higher than the level of the heart; that is, sit up or lie with the head elevated.

Do not lay flat or put your head between your legs.

5. Apply ice (crushed in a plastic bag or washcloth) to nose and cheeks.