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After road accidents, falls are the second leading cause of unintentional injury deaths worldwide and each year, millions more of these accidents are serious enough to require medical attention.

“Although most falls are not fatal, they are responsible for more years lived with disability than drowning, burns and poisoning combined, according to the World Health Organization,” says Dr Letasha Kalideen, a geriatric physician practising at Netcare St Augustine’s Hospital.

“While children and adults over 60 are considered at higher risk, falls can have serious consequences at any age. Fortunately, there are simple steps we can take to help prevent trips and falls and reduce the potential hazards in environments like our homes or residential care facilities for older persons,” she adds.

“There are both individual and environmental risks that should be considered, and for older persons, these should preferably be professionally assessed, because many fall injuries are preventable. Individual risks may include difficulty maintaining balance, poor vision, and side effects of medication.

“In elderly patients, one in every five falls can result in serious injuries, such as broken bones or head injuries. As people become less active, they become weaker, which increases their chances of falling. These injuries can have a dire impact on quality of life and make it harder for older people to live on their own.”

The following simple tips offer a practical starting point for reducing the risk of accidents at home or in care facilities.

1. Check floors are not slippery, uneven or cluttered.
2. Remove trip hazards and ensure electrical cords are secured out of the way.
3. Ensure adequate lighting throughout the home.
4. Keep active to improve balance and strength.
5. Have regular vision checks.
6. Drink enough water and eat a wholesome diet.
7. Wear well-fitting, non-slip shoes; don’t walk around in socks only.
8. Ensure that beds and chairs are at a comfortable height.
9. Remove unnecessary items from the floor.
10. Install sturdy grab rails wherever they may be needed.
11. If you have walking aids and grab rails, use them consistently.

“Older people have the highest risk of death or serious injury arising from a fall, and that risk increases with age. This is why forethought is especially important for prevention where older persons are concerned,” Dr Kalideen says.

“Falls resulting in head injuries can be very serious, especially if the person is on medication that thins the blood. If an older person falls and hits their head, they should be seen by their doctor as soon as possible to ensure that a brain injury has not been sustained,” cautions Dr Kalideen.

Medical emergencies
Netcare 911 spokesperson Sarah Kekana adds that falls are also a major contributor towards injuries requiring emergency medical response.

“Serious injuries can occur from falls in occupational settings, home accidents and falls from heights in urban and remote rural areas. Where these accidents can’t be prevented, it is essential to take quick action to identify if the person needs urgent medical attention so any emergency treatment required can begin as soon as possible,” she says.

Signs that medical assistance is needed immediately:                                                                                                        

• If the person is seriously injured or unconscious
• If the person has hit their head, especially in the case of children
• If the injured arm or leg feels numb
• If toes or fingers are white or blue
• If you suspect an injury to the person’s neck or back
• If you can see a bone sticking out of the skin
• If the limb or joint appears to be at an unnatural angle
• If bleeding can’t be stopped after several minutes of firm pressure
• If blood is spurting from a wound

In any emergency requiring medical assistance, it is helpful to have a fast and efficient way to find it promptly. Download and register on the Netcare app to be prepared before any accident occurs so you can make use of the Netcare 911 emergency call and geolocation function, as well as the 60-second call-back option, to get help quickly and easily.

“If you are ever unsure of the level of medical care needed, the Netcare 911 national Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) is ready to provide expert assistance in determining what steps are necessary. Trained emergency medical personnel are available 24 hours a day, providing telemedical support to callers in a medical emergency by explaining to them how to assist the patient until paramedics arrive on scene,” Kekana says.

“With a little extra care, many of the factors contributing to the risk of falls at any age can be eliminated. Let’s make falls prevention awareness part of our daily routines,” Dr Kalideen concludes.

Ends

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