What to do if you Fall

If you fall:

Stay calm and don’t rush to get up.
Make sure you are not injured before trying to move
If you are injured or need help:
- Try to get help by making a loud noise, calling out for help or crawling to the telephone and dialing 911.
- Use your personal emergency response system if you have one

Roll onto your side.
Rest while your body and blood pressure adjust.
Slowly get onto your hands and knees, and crawl to a sturdy chair.
Put your hands on the chair seat and slide one foot forward so that it is flat on the floor. Keep the other leg bent so the knee is on the floor.
From this kneeling position, slowly rise and turn your body to sit in the chair.
Rest for a while before standing up

Talk with your health care provider about the fall, even if you did not hurt yourself. It is important to determine the cause and to help prevent another one.
Don't let the fear of falling prevent you from being active. Inactivity is one of the main reasons people fall.

Transcript of video: Report all falls

Opening shot shows a doctor's exam room. Older patient "Mary" is sitting on the exam table and a doctor is standing facing her.

DOCTOR:

"...So, have you had a fall since your last visit?"

Mary shakes her head "No"

DOCTOR:

"...including slips and trips?"

Mary is pensive, then remembers a series of slips and trips, seen in abstract flashback sequence.

Short sequence of 2 slips/trips (1. trip on stairs clutter, 2. bathtub slip)

Dramatic scene/music abruptly ends.

DOCTOR:

"Mary?"

MARY'S VOICE:

"Maybe a few..."

Mary's smile at this point, and the examination continues.

NARRATOR:

"Report ALL falls, and discuss ways to prevent them with your Doctor."

"For more information on falls prevention, contact Ottawa Public Health."

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