WHAT DO YOU DO IF YOU FALL?

There are specific steps to follow if you need to take in the event that you have fallen. Here are steps that the Public Health Agency of Canada recommends you should do if you fall and you can get up, can’t get up or if you witness a fall. Make sure to practice these steps so that you are prepared in the event of a fall.

If you CAN get up on your own

First thing to do in the event of a fall is to stay calm and ensure that you are not hurt. If you have determined that you are not injured, follow these 5 steps:

1. Lie on your side, bend the leg that is on top and lift yourself onto your elbows or hands.
2. Pull yourself toward an armchair or other sturdy object, then kneel while placing both hands on the chair or object.
3. Place your stronger leg in front, holding on to the chair or object.
4. Stand up.
5. Very carefully, turn and sit down.

If you CAN’T get up on your own

In the event of a fall, if you have determined that you are hurt and are unable to get up, follow these 7 steps:

1. Call out for help if you think you can be heard.
2. If you have an emergency call device or telephone at hand, use it.
3. If you don’t, try to slide yourself towards a telephone or a place where you will be heard.
4. Make noise with your cane or another object to attract attention.
5. Wait for help in the most comfortable position for you.
6. If you can, place a pillow under your head and cover yourself with a piece of clothing or a blanket to stay warm.
7. Try to move your joints to ease circulation and prevent stiffness.

If you have WITNESSED a fall

There may come a time where you are a witness to someone falling. The first step to take in this situation is to make sure that they are conscious and if they are injured or not. It is important that you DO NOT get the person up immediately after a fall. This is important because if they are injured, it may make the injury worse than it already is.

Once you have assessed their condition, if the individual is NOT able to get up, call 9-1-1 and administer first aid if you are able to do so. Get the person in a comfortable position and keep them warm.

If the individual is able to get up, follow these 4 steps:

1. Bring a chair close by; help the person turn onto the side and bend the upper leg; help the person into a semi-seated position.
2. Placing yourself behind the person and getting a firm grip on the hips, help the person to a kneeling position with both hands on the chair.
3. Holding on to the chair, the person should then place the stronger leg in front. You may help by guiding the person’s leg.
4. With a firm grip on the hips, help the person to stand, then turn and sit on the chair.

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/health-promotion/aging-seniors/publications/publications-general-public/you-fall-witness-a-fall-you-know-what.html#preventFall