East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST) is backing new national advice to help older and vulnerable people stay safe this winter and know what to do if they fall.
The trust, which covers Bedford Borough and the wider region, says cold, wet and icy weather consistently leads to a spike in 999 calls from people who have fallen and cannot get back up.
Winter falls
The guidance has been issued by the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives (AACE), working with the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) and the British Geriatrics Society (BGS).
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.”
Nationally, one in three people over 65 who live at home will fall at least once a year. For those over 80, the risk rises to one in two.
What to do after a fall
The key advice if you fall is to stay calm and take a moment to check how you feel before you try to move.
If you think you can get up safely, the steps are:
- Roll onto your side
- Push yourself up onto your hands and knees
- Shuffle to a sturdy chair or sofa
- Place one foot flat on the floor and slowly stand up
If you cannot get up:
- Use your phone or pendant alarm immediately if you have one
- Shout or bang on the floor or wall to attract attention
- Keep warm with coats or blankets if you can reach them
- Try to move a little every half hour to help your circulation
A printable step-by-step guide is also available from AACE at aace.org.uk.
When to call 999
You should call 999 straight away if you, or the person who has fallen:
- Cannot get up, even with help
- Is confused, not fully awake, very drowsy or vomiting
- May have injured their head, neck, back or hip
- Has severe bleeding
For less urgent concerns after a fall, patients, families or carers are being urged to use NHS 111 online at 111.nhs.uk or call 111 for advice.
Dr Ian Higginson, RCEM president, said: “Falls are a common reason that older people find themselves in emergency departments and can lead to significant injury, particularly when someone is frail.
“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.”
Staying steady on your feet
As well as knowing what to do after a fall, ambulance and emergency medicine leaders say taking simple steps now can reduce the risk of falling in the first place.
Professor Jugdeep Dhesi, president of the BGS, said: “A fall does not 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 help prevent falls this winter include:
- Carry a mobile phone or wear a pendant alarm
- Install a key safe or leave a spare key with someone you trust
- Wear well-fitting shoes or slippers with a good grip
- Keep paths and floors clear of clutter and trailing wires
- Stay active – even gentle movement helps balance and strength
- Eat regularly, drink plenty of fluids and avoid too much alcohol, especially if you already feel unsteady
- Get regular eye and hearing checks
- Take your time when standing up, and do not rush
More support
Further information and practical advice is available from:
- Age UK Bedfordshire: Local helpline 01234 360510 and national helpline 0800 678 1602
- NHS resources on reducing falls risks at home
- The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy’s free “Get Up and Go” guide to strength and balance exercises
EEAST says planning ahead now, talking to family, neighbours or carers and keeping the advice somewhere visible at home can all help older and vulnerable people stay safer and more confident through the winter.
