Top tips and First Aid advice for older people following a fall:
If you have fallen:
Stay as calm as you can. Don’t rush to get up, just take time to establish if you are hurt. Lie still and work systematically up your body to check for pain or bleeding when moving your limbs. If you feel able to get yourself up, do this slowly. Roll onto your hands and knees and look for a stable piece of furniture, such as a chair or bed. Hold on to the furniture with both hands and use the furniture to assist you in getting up. Take time to rest and contact someone to tell them what has happened.
If you’re hurt or unable to get up, try to get someone’s attention by calling for help (use your mobile phone if you have one to hand), bang on the wall or floor to alert neighbours, or press your emergency aid call button (if you have one). Alternatively, try and crawl to your telephone and call someone local or dial 999 to call an ambulance.
Do not exhaust yourself trying to get help. Remain calm and if possible cover yourself with something warm, such as a rug or coat. Wrap yourself up as well as you can and get as comfortable as possible. It is important to shift your body weight frequently to prevent yourself getting pressure sores.
- Get any grazes or cuts checked by a medical professional – particularly on shins as it is important that they are appropriately assessed, cleaned and dressed to avoid getting leg ulcers.
Click here to read 9 top tips to prevent falls
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