When you have a nosebleed, you should tilt your head back to prevent blood from flowing out of your nose.
Tilting the head back causes blood to drain down the throat, potentially leading to aspiration and masking the bleeding amount. Modern first aid recommends leaning slightly forward, pinching the nostrils closed, and applying direct pressure. This allows blood to drain safely from the nose and helps blood clot form at the bleeding site.
Reception
Sources
- Epistaxis Management and First Aid PRIMARY
- American Red Cross First Aid Guidance REFERENCE