Winter weather has arrived, and with it comes a surge in 999 calls from older and vulnerable people who have fallen and cannot get back up. This is why the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives (AACE), speaking on behalf of all UK ambulance services, has joined forces with the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) and the British Geriatrics Society (BGS) to issue important advice: know what to do if you fall, and take simple steps to stay steady on your feet.
Anna Parry, Managing Director of AACE, said: “Every winter we see thousands of older people who have fallen and struggled to get back up, often spending some time on the floor as a result. Many of these ‘long lies’ could be prevented. A mobile phone in your pocket, a pendant alarm around your neck or wrist, or practising how to get up from the floor while you’re well could make a real difference.”
One in three people over 65 who live at home will fall at least once this year; for those over 80 the risk rises to one in two. The key advice is:
• If you do fall – stay calm. Take a moment to check yourself before moving.
• If you can get up safely: roll onto your side, push up to hands and knees, shuffle to a sturdy chair or sofa, place one foot flat and slowly stand.
• If you cannot get up: use your phone or pendant alarm immediately, shout or bang to attract attention, keep warm, and move a little every half hour to protect circulation.
Call 999 at once if you, or the person who has fallen:
o Cannot get up, even with help
o Is confused, not fully awake, drowsy or vomiting
o Has injured their head, neck, back or hip
o Has severe bleeding
This advice is now available in a downloadable PDF that can be printed off by members of the public from here: Winter falls advice
For less urgent concerns after a fall, patients or their family or carers are being urged to call 111 or visit www.111.nhs.uk. Dr Ian Higginson, RCEM President, said: “Falls are a common reason that older people find themselves in emergency departments (ED), and can lead to significant injury, particularly when someone is frail. We know that older people will be worried that there are often very long waits in our departments, and that they are more likely than those who are younger to endure these waits. We worry that this will put them off calling an ambulance. No one wants to wait a long time in an ED corridor, especially due to something which can often be prevented.
“We expect our departments to be extremely busy this winter. Be assured that despite the difficulties we face providing the service we would like for our patients, we will be open and there to look after you if you need help. We support this advice which could prevent the need for a stay in an A&E.”
Professor Jugdeep Dhesi, President of the BGS, said: “A fall doesn’t have to mean the beginning of the end of independent living. Many older people recover quickly if they avoid a ‘long lie’ on the floor and get prompt help. Simple strength and balance exercises twice a week, good footwear, removing trip hazards in the home and a review with your GP can dramatically cut your risk.”
Top tips to prevent falls this winter
• Carry a mobile phone or wear a pendant alarm.
• Have a key-safe or give a spare key to someone trusted.
• Wear well-fitting slippers with grip.
• Keep paths clear of clutter and trailing wires.
• Stay active – even gentle movement helps.
• Eat regularly and keep hydrated and don’t drink too much alcohol, especially if you feel unsteady.
• Get your eyes and hearing checked.
• Never rush when standing up.
More help is available from NHS Inform (Prevent falls by identifying hazards at home | NHS inform), Age UK (0800 678 1602) and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy’s free “Get Up and Go” guide.