This is a common condition usually due to bleeding from
the blood vessels inside the nostrils. It may occur after
a blow to the nose or be the result of sneezing, picking
or blowing the nose. However, waterly-looking, blood-stained
fluid issuing from the noise may be the sign of fractured
skull.
Nose-bleeds can cause considerable loss of blood and
may cause the casualty to swallow or inhale a great
deal of blood. This may cause vomiting or affect
breathing.
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SYMPTOMS
- Moderate flow of blood from nose
AIM
Safeguard the breathing by preventing
inhalation of blood and control
bleeding.
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TREATMENT
1. Sit the casualty down with her head well forward
and loosen any tight clothing around her neck and chest.
2. Advise her to breathe through the mouth and pinch the soft
part of her nose.
3. Forbid speech, swallowing,coughing, spitting or
sniffing. Allow her to dribble and mop it up.
4. Release the pressure after 10 minutes. If bleeding has not
stopped, continue treatment for further 10 minutes.
DO NOT let the casualty raise her head.
5. While the head is still forward, clean around the
noseand mouth using clean dressing soaked in luke-warm
water. DO NOT plug the nose.
6. When the bleeding stops, tell the casualty to avoid
exertion and not to blow her nose for at least 4 hours
so as not to disturb the clot.
7. If after 30 minutes the bleeding persists,seek medical
aid.
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