Fall injuries among adults is considered as a common issue particularly those over 65 years of age. In some cases, falls can result to a fracture or traumatic head injury.
In most instances, fall injuries might be brought about by weakness in certain parts of the body due to balance loss, advancing age, visual issues or accidents.
What are the indications?
The indications of fall injuries among adults is based on various factors including the height of the fall and the weight, age and overall health of the individual.
The typical signs might include:
- Swelling of the site of injury
- Wounds such as lacerations
Bone fractures that might involve the hip, wrist, arm, shoulder or skull. - Bruising and contusions
- Injury to the legs, arms and head
- Damage to the spinal cord
- Bone fractures that might involve the hip, wrist, arm, shoulder or skull
- Internal injuries including bleeding if landing on blunt or sharp objects
Management of fall injuries
It is vital to call for emergency assistance right away for the following:
- Significant bleeding from the site of injury or bleeding from the ears, nose or mouth
- Possible injury to the neck, head or hip
- Difficulty breathing
- Inability to move
- Loss of consciousness
For a minor case, the following measures are suggested:
- Any evident wounds must be cleansed using water
- Apply a cold compress or ice pack on the site of injury to lessen the pain and swelling.
- If bleeding is present, control the flow of blood by placing pressure using a clean towel or cloth or sterile dressing.
- If a fracture is suspected, immobilize the affected site.
The individual should be comforted and assess the root of the fall if possible. If there is no injury present, encourage the individual to rest for awhile before assisting him/her in standing up.
If the victim is an elderly, it is vital to monitor him/her during the next 1-2 days to ensure that there are no other symptoms. In case there is an open wound, a tetanus shot might be needed.
Disclaimer / More Information
The information posted on this page on fall injuries among adults is for learning and educational purposes only. To learn to properly manage the injury, register for first aid training at one of our training centers located throughout Canada. The training centers are in Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver, Kelowna, Saskatoon, Victoria, Surrey, Mississauga, Winnipeg, Red Deer, Toronto, Ottawa and Halifax.