What to do if you Fall

 Anyone can fall. But as you age, your risk of falling becomes greater.

Transcript

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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Have an emergency plan
  • Keep a list of the phone numbers of family or friends near the phone.
  • Have a plan so that your family or friends can enter your home in case of emergency
  • Consider getting a personal emergency response system in case of emergency.

If you fall when you are alone
  • Stay calm
  • Don't rush to get up.
  • Make sure you are not injured before trying to get up or letting others help you get up

If you can get up
  • Stay calm
  • 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

If you need help to get up
  • Stay calm
  • 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

After any fall... 
  • Talk with your health care provider about the fall, even if you did not hurt yourself. It is important to determine the cause of your fall and to help prevent another fall.
  • For extra protection, consider the use of a personal emergency response system.
  • Don't let the fear of falling again prevent you from being active. Inactivity creates an even greater risk of falling.

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