If you have a fall, try not to panic, remain positive, and assess the situation.
If you decide you cannot get up safely, try to get somebody’s attention to help you, save your energy and use any pillows or blankets that are within reach to stay comfortable until help arrives.
How to get up off the floor?
If you have a fall, you must know how to get up safely.
The Stay On Your Feet® get up off the floor flyer can step you through how to get up safely using your knees or your arms.
It is important to practice getting up off the floor. Use the Get Up Off the Floor resource in different areas of your house to practice how you may get up if you were to fall in that area.
Falls ‘First Aid’
It is important to let someone know if you have had a fall, such as a family member, friend, or GP Falls do not always result in serious injuries, but it is essential to treat all injuries, including cuts and scrapes.
Visit your GP
If you have had a fall, it is best to visit your GP. If you don’t have a regular GP, use Health Direct to find one near you.
Sometimes injuries that occur from a fall might not show until a few days or even weeks after your fall.
Some symptoms that you may experience are:
- Headaches: Watch out for headaches where the pain increases over time and are not relieved by simple pain medicine
- Blurred vision: You might notice you have trouble focusing your eyes or experience double vision
- Drowsiness: You may faint or feel more tired than usual
- Nausea or vomiting: You may feel sick, which may or may not be accompanied by vomiting
- Dizziness or weakness: Watch out for dizziness, loss of balance, weakness in your limbs, and difficulty walking
- Confusion: You may have trouble speaking and understanding what people are saying, understanding what is going on in your surroundings, or recognising people or places. You may start to get muddled up, or other people may notice that you are behaving unusually.
- Seizures: Seizures are rare. However, if you experience a seizure, seek medical help immediately.
- Other symptoms: Watch for any continual fluid or bleeding from your nose or ears and seek medical help immediately if this occurs
Have a falls action plan
It is helpful to have an action plan in case you have a fall.
Print the Stay On Your Feet® Falls Action Plan at home.
Make sure you are familiar with the action plan before you have a fall. Remember to discuss the action plan with your GP and family members.