mrcem2-0338

A 22 year old presents to the emergency department with a complaint of hematemesis that started 30 minutes ago. The patient had a tonsillectomy 7 days ago. The patient’s vital signs are as follows:

Blood pressure: 116/68 mmHg
Pulse: 102 bpm
Respiration rate: 15 bpm
Temperature: 36.5ºC

During examination, fresh clotted blood is visible in the right tonsillar fossa and there is profuse bleeding into the oropharynx. The patient’s airway appears to be open. The ENT registrar has been informed and will arrive in approximately 10 minutes after finishing with a patient in the operating room. What is the most appropriate action to take in this situation?