It can happen to any of us at any given moment. One minute we’re standing upright on our feet and the next minute we are down and wondering what happened. While often not as serious for adults and children, seniors are more susceptible to fractures, especially in the hips, due to a fall. As a result, this can lead to a senior losing their independence while requiring constant caregiving.
First-Aid for a Fall Victim
If you happen to see someone fall or notice someone that has just fallen, calmly approach them and be on the alert for any possible dangers that may be surrounding you and the victim. Don’t rush towards the person since it can startle them and they are probably already startled enough by the situation. It’s important to keep a reassuring and calm environment at this time. It puts you in the best position to provide help.
Don’t try to move the patient right away. Get down to the floor level and make sure that the person is responsive and breathing. If the person is breathing ask him where it hurts and be ready to call 911 if necessary. It can be difficult to tell whether the person is simply bruised or whether there is a break or fracture involved. At times a person will just simply get up, dust themselves off and get on their way. At other times, further medical help will be required.
A person should never move on their own or be moved if there is any suspicion that there may be a spine or neck injury. Keep this person as still as possible and continue to reassure them until an ambulance or paramedics arrive on the scene.
If the person is unresponsive and isn’t breathing, CPR must be started immediately and emergency personnel must be summoned. If there is a defibrillator nearby, ask for someone to get it for you.
Learn more about falls and how to distinguish a minor fall from a more serious one by taking a first-aid course with us today. Please visit www.heart2heartcpr.com for more information about our courses and when the next ones will be held in your local area. We offer classes Canada wide including First Aid & CPR training in Toronto.
