Fall Prevention 101

In Canada, falls are the second leading cause, after motor vehicle collisions, of injury-related hospitalizations for all ages, accounting for 29% of injury admissions to hospital.

The fall-related injury rate is nine times greater among seniors than those less than sixty-five years of age.

Falls cause more than 90% of all hip fractures in seniors and 20% die within a year of the fracture.

With falls being a leading cause of injury and the resulting injury having a dramatic change in one’s life style how can we prevent falls in the home. It’s easy, take time now to make some of these minor changes:

• Install well anchored grab bars and rails in washrooms near the toilet, tub or shower;
• Ensure that stairways are well lit and free from clutter;
• Using double sided tape secure throw rugs or remove them completely for entrance ways and hallways;
• Wear proper non-slip footwear in doors. Those fuzzy slippers are not the best choice;
• Wipe up spills promptly and keep floors clean and dry;
• If you need a mobility aid such as walker or cane, don’t be embarrassed and use it only in public because you can navigate by reaching to various pieces of furniture to get somewhere in the house;
• Remove clutter especially newspapers, extension cords and other trip hazards;
• In the winter keep walk ways free of ice and snow. Consider wearing commercial shoe grips to improve your safety;
• Don’t rush to answer the door bell or telephone;
• Sometimes medication may make us dizzy, especially if we try to sit up quickly. Visit your doctor or pharmacist if you have any unusual medication reactions.

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What do I do if I see someone who has fallen and how can I help?

• Make sure the scene is safe for you to assist them. Watch for anything that might cause injury to you the rescuer;
• Is the victim awake and talking normally? If no call 9-1-1 and get paramedics immediately;
• Is the victim breathing normally? If no call 9-1-1 and get paramedics immediately;
• Is there any serious bleeding? Serious bleeding is a large amount of blood from the head, chest, stomach or upper leg. If yes, call 9-1-1 and paramedics immediately;
• If there are major life-threatening injuries, do not be in a hurry to lift the victim up or move them get them to do some simple tests:
• Do they have any pain to their head, neck or back? If yes, call 9-1-1 and get paramedics immediately;
• Can they move their shoulders, arms and make fist with either hand?
• Do they have any pain at their hips? If yes, call 9-1-1 and get paramedics immediately;
• Can they move their legs by bending at the knees, twist their foot at the ankle and wiggle their toes? If no, call 9-1-1 and get paramedics immediately.

If you are waiting for help, DO NOT MOVE the injured person. Keep them safe, protect them further injury, cover them with a blanket (even in summer) and wait for help to arrive.