Nose Bleeds in the outdoors

Nose Bleeds, we've all had them at some point or another. Whether you walked into a pole or just picked your nose too hard. Most result in only minor blood loss, however more serious bleeding can result in considerable blood loss so caution should be taken when in the outdoors. So if you're out in the bush and you or someone in your party gets a bleeding nose, what is the proper way to treat it? As children most of us were told, "Put your head back and pinch your nose", we can now say that this is bad advice. Tilting the head back can cause blood to run down the throat, which can cause coughing, choking or vomiting. Instead, sit the person down, advise them to breath through the mouth, with the head tilted forward. Get him or her to pinch the entire soft part of the nose for 10 - 20 minutes. Once the bleeding has been controlled ensure the person does not blow or pick their nose for a few hours as bleeding may restart.
Nose bleeds may occur spontaneously or after sneezing, picking or blowing the nose. If bleeding occurs after an accident consider the possibility of a nose or skull fracture. Leakage of clear or straw-coloured fluid from the nose may indicate a base of the skull fracture. In this instance emergency help should be sought immediately.