Welsh ambulance raise awareness for 'Falls Awareness Week'

It is the number one reason people in Wales have called for an ambulance this year so far, with chest pain (32,000), breathing problems (25,000) and Covid-19 (23,000) calls second, third and fourth in the list respectively.

This Falls Awareness Week (September 20-26), the service has issued advice about not only how to prevent a fall but about what to do if you have fallen.

Charlotte Walker, the Trust’s older people improvement lead, said: “Anyone can have a fall, but the natural ageing process means that older people are more likely to fall, especially if they have a long-term condition like heart disease, dementia or low blood pressure.

“Most falls do not result in serious injury, but there's always a risk that a fall could lead to broken bones, which can cause the person to lose confidence, become withdrawn and feel as if they have lost their independence.

“It’s important for people to take preventative steps to avoid having a fall, but it’s also important to know what to do when a fall occurs.”

To prevent a fall its recommended you have a sight test if you're having problems with your vision, even if you already wear glasses and request a home hazard assessment, where a healthcare professional visits your home to identify potential hazards and give advice.

Other advice includes:

•Do exercises to improve your strength and balance

•Use non-slip mats in the bathroom

•Mop up any spills to prevent wet, slippery floors

•Ensure all rooms, passages and staircases are well lit

•Remove clutter

•Get help lifting or moving items that are heavy or difficult to lift

How to safely get up off the floor if you’re not injured:

•Lying on your back, bend one knee up towards you so your foot rests on the floor

•Roll over onto your side, reaching your arms out in front

•Pushing on your arms, try and sit up onto your side

•Make sure you sit there for a few moments to allow any dizziness or light-headedness to pass

•Spread your hands apart and try and roll over onto all fours

•Look for the nearest sturdy piece of furniture and crawl towards it so you’re close enough to place two hands on it

•Lift your stronger leg forwards to achieve a lunge position then push down through the arms and the legs to stand

•Slowly turn around and sit down

How to stay safe while waiting for help after a fall:

•If you have fallen, try to remain calm

•If you are unable to get up off the floor, it’s important to get help

•If you have a ‘Lifeline’, press the button

•Keep yourself warm while you wait for help – use nearby blankets or clothing to pull over yourself

•Stay hydrated – try and leave water bottles dotted around your home if you fall regularly

Claire Roche, the Trust’s executive director of quality and nursing, said: “When someone has experienced a fall, it is really important that we are able to provide a suitable, timely response.

“This will ensure we can provide people with the appropriate assistance to safely get up from the floor.

“Improving our response to people who have fallen is one of our top priorities as an ambulance service, and we continue to work hard with our partners to achieve this.”