Falls are one of the most common accidents, and they can happen to anyone, anywhere, and at any time. Whether it’s a simple trip, a common dance injury or a severe fall, knowing how to apply first aid to fall victims is essential. Properly applying first aid can significantly impact the victim’s recovery time and overall well-being. This blog discusses how you can apply first aid to fall victims, including what to do immediately after a fall and how to assess and treat any injuries that may have occurred.
Immediate Response
After a fall, the first thing to do is assess the victim’s condition. If the victim is unconscious, not breathing, or bleeding profusely, call 911 immediately. If the victim is conscious, ask them if they’re okay and can move. If the victim is not okay, try to keep them calm and still while waiting for medical assistance to arrive
Assess The Victim's Condition
No matter how effective the first aid is, a victim must go to the doctor for minor procedures afterwards. The first step in providing first aid to a fall victim is to assess their condition. Check if the victim is conscious or unconscious, breathing or not, and responsive. If the victim is unconscious, start CPR immediately. If the victim is breathing, place them comfortably and check for visible injuries.
Call For Help
If the victim is severely injured or unconscious, call for medical help immediately. Dial emergency services or ask someone nearby to call for help. If possible, provide the medical personnel with the exact location and details of the victim’s condition.
Control Bleeding
If the victim has a bleeding wound, apply pressure with a clean cloth or bandage. If possible, elevate the affected body part, and continue applying pressure until the bleeding stops. If bleeding is severe, use a tourniquet to control the bleeding until medical help arrives
Check For Head And Neck Injuries
Falls can often result in head and neck injuries, which can be fatal if not treated immediately. Check for visible injuries or signs of trauma, such as bleeding or swelling. If the victim complains of neck or back pain, do not move them unless necessary. Keep the victim in a stable position and wait for medical help
Keep The Victim Warm
Falls can result in shock, especially in older adults. Shock is a life-threatening condition when the body cannot circulate blood effectively. Keep the victim warm using blankets or clothing to prevent hypothermia, which can worsen the shock.
Monitor Vital Signs
Monitor the victim’s vital signs, such as pulse, breathing, and blood pressure, until medical help arrives. Record the vital signs and changes in the victim’s condition to provide accurate information to the medical personnel.
Treating Injuries, Fractures And Sprains
Falls can result in fractures and sprains, especially in the wrist, ankle, and hip. If the victim complains of severe pain, swelling, or inability to move the affected body part, suspect a fracture or sprain. If available, immobilize the affected body part using a splint or bandage and provide pain relief medication.
You can apply a cold compress or ice pack to reduce swelling and pain for bruises and sprains. Elevating the injured area above the heart level can also help reduce swelling. For fractures or dislocations, it’s best to immobilize the injured area and call for medical assistance immediately. In some cases, even Swimming Can Help With Injury Recovery. If the victim is in severe pain, you can provide them with pain relief medication, but make sure to follow the recommended dosage.
| Injury | Symptoms | Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Cuts | Bleeding, pain | Clean the wound with antiseptic lotion, cover with a bandage |
| Bruises | Swelling, discoloration | Apply a cold compress or ice pack |
| Sprains | Swelling, pain, limited movement | Apply a cold compress, elevate the injured area |
| Fractures | Severe pain, swelling, deformity | Immobilize the injured area, call for medical assistance |
| Dislocations | Severe pain, swelling, deformity, limited movement | Immobilize the injured area, call for medical assistance |
Prevention
Prevention is always better than cure. To prevent falls, it’s essential to remove any potential hazards that could cause a fall. Keep walkways and stairs free from clutter, secure rugs and carpets to the floor, and install handrails on staircases. It’s also important to wear appropriate footwear and to use a sturdy ladder when working at heights. Moreover, if you are a dancer or a dance teacher, use ways to prevent common knee and hip injuries for dancers.
Seek medical consultation As Soon As Possible
Knowing how to apply first aid to fall victims is crucial, especially when falls are one of the most common accidents. But do not just rely on first aid. Seek medical consultation right away.
Our team of experienced orthopaedic specialists always provides the necessary treatment to help you recover from your fall-related injuries. From fractures to dislocations, we offer a comprehensive range of treatments at Knee Specialist Singapore to help you get back on your feet. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step towards recovery.
