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First aid · Australia

Nosebleed

Sit upright, lean slightly forward and pinch the soft part of the nose for at least 10 minutes without letting go. Breathe through the mouth and spit out blood.

Medical emergency? Call 000

What to do

  1. Sit and lean forward

    Sit down and lean forward. Keep the mouth open for breathing.

    Take care. Do not tip the head back or swallow blood.

  2. Pinch the soft part

    Use your thumb and finger to close both nostrils at the soft, fleshy part below the bony bridge.

  3. Hold steady pressure

    Hold steady pressure for at least 10 minutes. Use a clock; repeatedly checking interrupts the pressure.

  4. If bleeding continues, get help

    If bleeding continues, keep applying pressure and seek medical help. Heavy bleeding, breathing trouble or faintness needs urgent help.

    Take care. Do not blow or pick the nose after the bleeding stops.

Know when to act

When to get help

  • Call 000 for heavy bleeding with faintness, collapse, chest pain or difficulty breathing.
  • Go to an emergency department for bleeding that continues for 20–30 minutes despite pressure. Seek help sooner if it is heavy or follows a serious injury.

Children and babies

  • Help a child sit forward and hold the soft part of their nose. Reassure them while you time the pressure.

Keep checking

  • Arrange medical advice for repeated nosebleeds or ongoing bleeding, especially when taking blood-thinning medicine or living with a bleeding disorder. Do not stop prescribed medicine yourself.

Sources and last update

Content updated: 6 September 2026.

These sources inform the guidance. This independent resource is not a substitute for a first aid course or medical assessment. An editorial update is not independent clinical review. Source organisations have not endorsed this site.

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