Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Get emergency help now if:
You are having trouble breathing
Bleeding is very heavy or pouring into your throat
You feel faint, confused, extremely weak, or short of breath
The bleeding followed a major injury to the head or face
You may have swallowed a large amount of blood and are repeatedly vomiting
And for anyone, someone who:
is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Seek urgent same-day care if the bleeding continues after 20 minutes of firm, uninterrupted pressure on the soft part of the nose.
Also get prompt advice if you take medicine that reduces blood clotting and the bleeding is difficult to stop.
Do not stop prescribed medicine unless a healthcare professional tells you to.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Book a routine appointment if nosebleeds keep returning, happen without a clear trigger, or come with easy bruising, bleeding gums, unusual tiredness, or other unexplained bleeding.
A child with repeated bleeding or a possible object in the nose should also be examined.
Do not try to remove a deeply lodged object yourself.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Nosebleed. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.