I’m a first aider – here’s what all parents must do if your little one has a nose bleed

IT can be distressing for both you and your little one if they have a nose bleed.

They can happen for a number of reasons and most of the time they are nothing to worry about.

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Nosebleeds can be distressing for children and one first aider has revealed exactly what parents need to do[/caption]

But that won’t stop your child become anxious or crying as blood drips from their nose.

First aider and paediatric nurse Sarah Hunstead said it’s key that when this happens, you need to try and calm and reassure your child – as crying will only make the bleeding worse.

The NHS states that nosebleeds are common in children and in most cases can be treated at home.

Most of the time they are caused by nose picking, blowing your nose too hard and the inside of your nose being too dry.

The medic revealed her top tips for what all parents must do to stop their kids suffering.

The first thing to do, she said, is to sit your child upright in a comfortable position, and lean slightly forward.

Posting to the CPR Kids Facebook page, Sarah said you should then squeeze the lower, soft part of the nose – pressing the nostrils together with your fingers.

If your child is a bit older, they can do this themselves – but you must keep squeezing for ten minutes, she said.

The guru added: “Do not keep removing your fingers to check if the bleeding has stopped.

“The blood needs to clot and this takes time. Reading a book can be a good distraction for your child.

“Have a clock handy so you can be sure ten minutes has gone by.

“After 10 minutes, release the nose and check if the bleeding has stopped. If the nosebleed continues, squeeze the nostrils for another ten minutes.”

In addition to squeezing the nostrils, Sarah said you can place a cool towel or ice pack on the back of your little one’s neck while they sit on your lap.

But this is only if they can tolerate it, Sarah said.

You can also offer them an ice pop or cold drink to cool them down – with this also getting rid of the taste of blood.

Parents should also encourage their children to spit out any blood that may have dripped from their nose into their mouth.

This, Sarah said is because swallowing blood might make your child vomit – which in turn can make the bleeding worse.

WHEN TO GET HELP

If you’ve administered all the first aid you can and you little one’s nose is still bleeding, then you could go to the nearest emergency department, she added.

The NHS states that you should go to A&E if the bleeding lasts for longer than 10 to 15 minutes.

You should also make the trip if the bleeding is excessive and if your child is swallowing large amounts of blood that make them vomit.

Alongside this, you should take your child to A&E if the bleeding started after a head injury.

If they feel weak, dizzy, or are having difficulty breathing then you should also seek help.