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What to do if…
a nosebleed will not stop after firm pressure

Produced and maintained by PanicStation.org Published: Last reviewed: Editorial policy UK guide

Short answer

Keep pinching the soft part of your nose continuously for 10 to 15 minutes. UK guidance differs slightly on when persistent bleeding should go to A&E: more than 10 to 15 minutes in England and Wales, more than 15 minutes in Northern Ireland, and more than 20 minutes in Scotland; if you are at or beyond the threshold where you are, arrange urgent assessment while staying upright, leaning forward and keeping firm pressure.

Do not do these things

  • Do not tilt your head backwards or lie flat.
  • Do not release the pressure repeatedly to check whether the bleeding has stopped.
  • Do not push tissues, cotton wool or other objects deep into your nostril.
  • Do not blow or pick your nose while it is bleeding.
  • Do not drive yourself to A&E.
  • Do not stop prescribed anticoagulant or antiplatelet medicine unless a healthcare professional tells you to.

What to do now

  1. Sit upright and lean forward with your mouth open. Spit out blood that reaches your mouth rather than swallowing it.
  2. Pinch the soft part of your nose just above the nostrils, closing both nostrils. Breathe through your mouth.
  3. Hold firm, uninterrupted pressure for 10 to 15 minutes using a timer. Do not release your grip during that time.
  4. If the bleeding continues, use the threshold for the UK nation you are in: England and Wales advise A&E when a nosebleed lasts more than 10 to 15 minutes, Northern Ireland more than 15 minutes, and Scotland more than 20 minutes. If you are at or beyond that threshold, ask someone to take you to A&E and keep applying pressure while transport is arranged.
  5. Call 999 if the bleeding is very heavy, you are having difficulty breathing, you feel faint or very weak, or you cannot get to A&E safely. If the bleeding began after a blow to the head, seek urgent assessment and call 999 if the injury or other symptoms seem serious.
  6. Take your medicines or an up-to-date medicines list with you, especially if you take blood-thinning medicine or have a condition affecting blood clotting.

What can wait

Working out what caused the nosebleed, cleaning blood from the room or clothing, finding an ice pack, and arranging routine follow-up can wait. Focus first on continuous pressure and getting urgent assessment.

Important reassurance

Nosebleeds are common and many stop with correctly placed pressure. Bleeding that continues despite firm pressure needs urgent assessment, and hospital teams have treatments that can control it.

Scope note

This guide covers immediate first steps only. Further examination, treatment and decisions about recurring nosebleeds or medicines may require a doctor or another qualified healthcare professional.

Important note

This is general information and not a diagnosis or a substitute for medical advice. Follow instructions given by emergency services or healthcare professionals who assess the situation.

Additional Resources

Closely connected guides that may be useful during the same situation or its immediate aftermath.

About this guide

This guide was produced and is maintained by PanicStation.org using its published editorial process. Official and specialist sources are checked where relevant, and AI-assisted tools may be used for drafting, organisation, and consistency checks. The site operator remains responsible for publication, revision, and removal decisions.

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