A nosebleed is sudden bleeding from one or both nostrils. Your nose may bleed from trauma such as a punch in the nose, breathing dry air, allergies, or for no apparent reason. To stop the flow of blood from a common nosebleed:

Sit or stand upright to slow the flow of blood in the veins of the nose. Don't tip your head back, you will swallow blood.

ENCOURAGE mouth breathing and DISCOURAGE nose blowing, wiping, rubbing, speaking and movement.

If bleeding is profuse, pinch your nose with your thumb and forefinger without relieving the pressure, just below the hard part of the nose and push it towards the face gently for twenty minutes.

If bleeding continues for more than twenty minutes, or increases in volume, seek medical help, take the person to an emergency room.