Safety First: How to Minimise Injury After a Fall
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Falls within the home are a prevalent issue for seniors, as well as people with limited mobility or chronic conditions. Unfortunately, these incidents often lead to injuries and hospitalisations. According to a report by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), more than half of all hospitalised fall-related injuries occur at home, with 15% of these injuries resulting from household objects and clutter.
If you experience a fall at home, it is important to take the appropriate steps to help prevent further injury and improve outcomes.
Here are seven key actions to consider:
1. Assess the Situation
The first step is to assess yourself and your environment. Try to remain calm and take a few moments to determine if you are hurt, feeling pain, bleeding and whether you are able to get up. Also inspect your surrounding for any spills, slippery surfaces or debris such as broken glass. If you are not hurt and can get up by yourself, try to do so gently. You can push yourself into a sitting position or use sturdy furniture to support yourself. If you are injured, unable to get up, or experiencing pain, please call for help immediately.
2. Call for Help
A personal alarm, especially one with fall detection, can be a lifesaver in a fall. Always have your alarm with you and ensure it is charged and witched on.
If you need help, press the button on your alarm to send an alert. If you have a personal alarm with falls detection, the fall may have already triggered an alert, however we advise to always press the button on the alarm to ensure an alert has been sent. If you don't have a personal alarm and your phone is nearby, use it to call for help immediately.
3. Stay Warm
If you cannot get up and are lying on the floor or ground, try to move onto a rug, carpet, or any other soft surface. If possible, cover yourself with a blanket, towel, or clothing to stay warm. If possible, move away from areas with cold drafts. This is especially important if you are injured and waiting for help to arrive.
4. Keep Moving
If you can do so without pain, try to keep your body moving slightly. Even gentle movements can help maintain warmth, focus, and calmness until help arrives. Remaining in one position for too long can result in stiffness, soreness, and damage to your skin. To prevent further injury, avoid sudden or jerky movements.
5. Stay Hydrated
If you can reach water, take small sips to stay hydrated while waiting for assistance to arrive.
6. Follow Medical Advice
Once help arrives, follow the instructions of the emergency responders or medical professionals. Seek medical attention if needed and follow any recommended treatment or rehabilitation plans.
7. Report the Incident
Let your GP or healthcare specialist know about the fall, even if you don’t feel seriously injured. They can assess your condition and provide guidance and recommendations on preventing future falls.
If you're a MePACS client, please also inform us so that we can update your client file for future reference. It's important to keep your medical history up-to-date. Call us on 1800 451 300.
Falls at home can result in injuries, hospitalisation, and even death, so it is essential to take precautions to prevent falls as much as possible. Remove potential tripping hazards and clutter in your home and install mobility and support aids, such as handrails. Monitored personal alarms provide 24/7 emergency response and can be vital for the safety for those at increased risk of falling.
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