Immediate Actions: The Crucial First 60 Seconds
Witnessing a fall can be frightening, but your calm response is vital for the individual's safety. Your first priority is to assess the situation and ensure the environment is safe for both of you.
Step 1: Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
Do not rush. Take a deep breath to stay calm, which will help keep the fallen person calm as well.
- Verbally check on them: Ask simple questions like, "Are you hurt?" or "Where does it hurt?"
- Look for visible injuries: Scan for bleeding, bruising, or swelling, especially around the head, neck, and limbs.
- Check consciousness: Ensure they are awake, alert, and responding. If they are unconscious, call 911 immediately.
Step 2: Decide on a Course of Action
Your next step depends on their condition. Is it a minor incident, or a major medical event?
- Call for emergency help (911): Call if they are seriously injured, unconscious, have hit their head, are in severe pain, or you are unsure how to proceed.
- Prepare for a safe lift: If there are no signs of serious injury, you can help them, but do so methodically and safely to prevent further injury to both of you.
A Safe Guide to Helping an Uninjured Person Get Up
If you've determined that the person is uninjured and capable of following directions, you can proceed with a safe lifting technique. Never pull on their arms or attempt to hoist them without proper support, as this can cause injury.
Technique: The 'Hands and Knees' Method
- Help them roll onto their side: Kneel beside them and help them bend the leg closest to you, placing their foot flat on the floor. Use your hands to gently assist them in rolling onto their side.
- Move to hands and knees: Once on their side, help them push up onto their hands and knees, ensuring a stable, padded surface is under their knees.
- Crawl to a sturdy chair: Guide them to crawl towards a strong, heavy piece of furniture, like a dining chair or sofa. Make sure the chair will not slide or tip.
- Place hands on the chair: Instruct them to place their hands firmly on the seat of the chair.
- Lift to a kneeling position: Gently encourage them to lift one leg and place their foot flat on the floor, using the chair for support.
- Rise to standing: Once their foot is on the floor, they can push up using both their arms and leg muscles to stand slowly. Be ready to support them, but avoid lifting their full weight yourself.
Comparison of Assisting Techniques
| Method | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hands & Knees Method | Safe, systematic, uses person's own strength. | Requires person to be uninjured and cooperative. | Minor, uninjurious falls where person is mobile. |
| Emergency Call (911) | Trained professionals, proper equipment, comprehensive assessment. | Delayed response time, potentially unnecessary in minor cases. | Serious injury, head trauma, or if unable to move. |
| Lift Assist Devices | Specialized tools for safe, strain-free lifting. | Requires device to be present and person trained to use it. | Regular fallers or those with mobility issues. |
What to Do After the Fall
Whether the person is uninjured or has received medical attention, the incident shouldn't be forgotten. It's a signal to reassess their care and living environment.
Short-Term Monitoring
- Check for delayed symptoms: In the hours and days following, monitor for pain, dizziness, confusion, or changes in behavior, which could indicate a concussion or other injury. Many issues are not immediately apparent.
- Contact their doctor: Inform their primary care physician about the fall, even if they seem fine. They can assess the event and suggest further steps, like a physical therapy referral.
Long-Term Prevention
Taking steps to prevent future falls is the single most important action you can take.
- Conduct a home safety audit: Check for loose rugs, poor lighting, and clutter. Ensure handrails are secure and bathroom grab bars are installed.
- Review medications: Some medications can cause dizziness or drowsiness. A doctor can review their prescriptions for any fall-related side effects.
- Promote strength and balance: Encouraging regular, safe exercise is a powerful preventative. Programs like Tai Chi are excellent for this purpose. The CDC's STEADI Program provides resources for fall prevention.
Final Thoughts
When an elderly person falls and can't get up, your reaction can make all the difference. Prioritizing their immediate safety through calm assessment and knowing when to call for help is paramount. By also focusing on long-term prevention through home safety, medication review, and exercise, you can significantly reduce the risk of future incidents and improve their overall quality of life. Stay vigilant, be proactive, and remember that falls are not an inevitable part of aging but a preventable health issue.
