What is the recommended first aid response for a person experiencing epistaxis?

The recommended first aid response for a person experiencing epistaxis, or a nosebleed, is for the patient to sit and lean forward while applying direct pressure for 3-5 minutes. This approach helps minimize blood loss and prevents blood from flowing down the throat, which can lead to choking or aspiration. Sitting and leaning forward allows gravity to assist in reducing the pressure in the blood vessels of the nose, which can help to slow and stop the bleeding.

Applying direct pressure by pinching the soft part of the nose effectively compresses the nasal blood vessels, which is crucial for stopping the bleeding. The time frame of 3-5 minutes is important, as it allows sufficient time for the blood to clot and for the bleeding to cease.

Other methods, such as lying down and elevating the feet, are not effective for controlling a nosebleed and may even exacerbate the situation by increasing blood flow to the head. Tilting the head back could lead to blood flowing down the throat, which poses additional dangers. Drinking water, while it is important for overall hydration, has no effect on stopping a nosebleed and does not address the immediate need for first aid in this situation.