Always Do After A Fall
Neglecting these crucial steps can actually lead to more serious health problems.
People of any age are susceptible to falling, but older adults are especially at risk.
Falls are the leading cause of injury and injury death for people over the age of 65 and were responsible for nearly 3 million emergency room visits for older adults in 2021, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control.
No matter your age, it’s important to take falls seriously, emergency room physician Dr. Joe Whittington told HuffPost.
“Whether it’s a young person who brushes off a fall or someone older who thinks it’s just a part of aging, it’s important to understand that falls can lead to complications like infections or long-term disability,” said Whittington, who runs the Dr. Joe MD TikTok account. “Prevention is key. Keeping up with regular physical activity, making environmental adjustments and knowing what to do after a fall can significantly reduce risks.”
We asked Whittington and other ER physicians what they’d advise people to do after a fall, including tips to help prevent this type of incident. Here’s what we learned:
First, do a full-body check for injuries.
Before you even attempt to get up, do a full-body check for pain, “particularly in the head, neck, or spine, as well as possible fractures or dislocations,” Whittington said.
You should also look out for abrasions, significant swelling, severe pain or the inability to move any part of your body, ER physician Dr. Jordan Wagner told HuffPost.
“This step is crucial to avoid worsening a potential fracture, dislocation, or internal injury by moving too quickly,” said Wagner, also known as “Doctor ER” on YouTube. “If you notice any sharp pain or have difficulty moving, stay there and call for emergency help if a phone is nearby.”
Move slowly.
Sudden movements can worsen hidden injuries like sprains or fractures, Wagner said. Other serious fall-related injuries like internal bleeding or concussions may not be apparent right off the bat.
“If you feel dizzy, nauseous or in significant pain, stay still and call for help. Getting up too quickly can worsen an injury,” Whittington said.
If you hit your head, seek medical care ASAP.
If you hit your head during the fall, get evaluated by a medical professional immediately — even if you feel OK at first, Wagner advised.
“Symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, headaches, or nausea could indicate a concussion, brain bleed, or a more serious injury,” he explained. “Brain bleeds, in particular, can be life-threatening and often develop at different rates, so you might not notice severe symptoms right away. Head injuries are tricky and can escalate quickly, so it’s always better to be safe than sorry.”
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