Investigations

Intravenous access should be obtained and the following bloods sent:

• Full blood count
• Coagulation profile
• Cross match or Group & save
• Venous Blood Gas

Imaging is rarely required. The exception is if embolisation of the bleeding vessel is being considered by interventional radiology. Remember, a CT scan of the neck delivers a high radiation dose to the underlying structures, particularly the thyroid in young children.