Sit the child upright and lean them slightly forward. Pinch the soft part of the nose just above the nostrils for 10 uninterrupted minutes. Ask them to breathe through their mouth and spit out any blood that reaches it. NUHS nosebleed first aid
If the bleeding continues, keep applying pressure while arranging medical advice. NUHS advises going to Children’s Emergency immediately if the bleeding has not stopped after 20 minutes of direct pressure. Call 995 if there is serious breathing difficulty, collapse or life-threatening bleeding. NUHS nosebleed first aid · SCDF emergency medical services
- Lean forward.
- Pinch the soft part of the nose without letting go to check.
- Seek emergency assessment if bleeding persists after 20 minutes of direct pressure.
On this page · Where to Put Your Fingers · If the Bleeding Keeps Going · Once It Has Stopped · Frequently Asked Questions
Where to Put Your Fingers
The bony bridge is too high. Feel for the soft part immediately above the nostrils and pinch it firmly enough to close them. Use a timer so you know how long you have held pressure. Keep a bowl or tissue nearby for blood that reaches the mouth. Avoid tilting the child’s head back or packing the nostrils. NUHS nosebleed first aid
If the Bleeding Keeps Going
After 10 minutes, check briefly. If it is still bleeding, reapply pressure and arrange medical advice. If bleeding has continued after 20 minutes of direct pressure, take the child to Children’s Emergency. After a significant injury, tell the medical team how it happened and whether the child also hit their head. NUHS nosebleed first aid · MOH nosebleed guidance
Once It Has Stopped
Keep the child from picking their nose or blowing hard. If nosebleeds recur, speak to a doctor and bring a short record of how often they happen and how long they last. At school, an adult can stay with the child, record the start time and tell the caregiver how much pressure was needed. NUHS nosebleed first aid · MOH nosebleed guidance
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a cold cloth stop the bleeding?
NUHS recommends direct pressure on the soft part of the nose. A cold cloth on the forehead or bridge of the nose is unlikely to stop it. NUHS nosebleed first aid
Should the child lie flat?
Sit them upright and lean them forward while they are alert and able to sit. If they collapse or have serious breathing difficulty, call 995 and follow instructions. NUHS nosebleed first aid · SCDF emergency medical services
What if they swallowed blood?
Swallowed blood may upset the stomach or cause vomiting. Lean forward and have the child spit out blood that reaches the mouth. Seek medical help if bleeding persists or the child is unwell. NUHS nosebleed first aid
Continue With the Singapore Emergency Playbook
- Suspected Fracture in a Child in Singapore | First Aid and When to Call 995
- Knocked-Out Tooth in Singapore | First Aid for a Permanent Tooth or Baby Tooth
- Eye Injury in a Child in Singapore | Chemical Splashes, Foreign Objects and When to Go to A&E
- Severe Bleeding in Singapore
- Child Head Injury in Singapore
Guidance checked 8 November 2026.