If a patient has a nosebleed after a fall, what should you do first?

The correct action to take when someone has a nosebleed, particularly after a fall, is to pinch the nose for 10 minutes. This method is effective because it helps to constrict the blood vessels in the nose, reducing blood flow and allowing for clotting to occur. By having the person lean forward slightly, it also prevents blood from flowing down the throat, which could lead to choking or further complications.

While calling for emergency help is important in more severe cases, such as if the nosebleed is profuse or if there is significant head trauma, immediate intervention for the nosebleed itself should take precedence. Applying ice to the forehead may be beneficial for reducing swelling but does not directly address the bleeding from the nose. Checking for other injuries is also essential after a fall, but it should not delay addressing the immediate and potentially concerning issue of the nosebleed itself. Thus, pinching the nose is the best first step in this situation.