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                               NOSEBLEEDS
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  You may think it is silly to include a section on nosebleeds as you 
  would think that everybody knows how to deal with nosebleeds. This
  is surprisingly untrue as there are so many "old wives tales" on
  how to stem a nose bleed.

  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 may be the result of sneezing, blowing and yes - picking the 
  nose. However, blood stained fluid issuing from the nose may be the
  sign of a fractured skull.

  Nose bleeds can not only involve a considerable loss of blood but 
  may also cause the casualty to swallow or inhale a great deal of blood.
  This may cause vomiting or affect breathing.

  1: Sit the casualty down with the head WELL FORWARD and loosen any
     tight clothing around the neck and chest.

  2: Advise the casualty to breathe through the mouth and PINCH the 
     soft part of the nose. ( Be prepared to take over if it gets too
     tiring for the casualty ).

  3: Tell the casualty to spit out  any blood in the mouth; swallowed
     blood may cause nausea and vomiting.

  4: Release the pressure after 10 minutes. If the bleeding has not
     stopped, continue treatment for a further 10 minutes, or as 
     necessary.

  5: While the head is still forward, gently clean around the nose and
     mouth using a swab or clean dressing soaked in luke warm water.
     DO NOT PLUG THE NOSE.

  6: When the bleeding stops, tell the casualty to avoid exertion. 
     Advise the casualty not to blow the nose for at least FOUR hours
     so as not to disturb the clot.

  7: If after 20 minutes the bleeding persists or recurs, seek medical
     help.

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