Falls are a frequent occurrence, particularly among older adults, and can be a startling event. While the immediate reaction is often to rush in and help, safety must always be the paramount concern for both the fallen individual and the helper. An improper assist can easily lead to further injury, such as aggravating an existing fracture or causing muscle strain to the helper. Approaching this situation with a structured, cautious plan is necessary to manage the event safely and effectively.
Initial Injury Assessment and When to Seek Emergency Help
Before attempting any movement, conduct a brief but focused assessment of the individual’s condition. Check for consciousness and responsiveness by speaking clearly and asking simple questions, such as if they know where they are and what happened. If the person is unresponsive or loses consciousness at any point, do not attempt to move them and immediately activate emergency services.
Next, gently inquire about any pain and instruct the person to remain as still as possible until the assessment is complete. Visually scan the body for obvious signs of trauma, looking specifically for bleeding, severe swelling, or limbs resting at unnatural angles, which suggest a fracture. Moving a person with a suspected spinal injury or severe long-bone fracture risks causing permanent neurological or musculoskeletal damage.
Several clear indicators necessitate immediate professional medical intervention via a call to 911 or the local emergency number. These include any suspected head or neck injury, severe unexplained pain, or the inability to move a limb without extreme discomfort. If the individual reports numbness or tingling, or if you notice a limb is cold or pale, this may indicate compromised circulation or nerve function.
If the person is taking blood-thinning medications, any fall, even minor, warrants a medical evaluation due to the increased risk of internal bleeding. Any uncertainty regarding the extent of the injury should default to calling for expert help rather than risking further harm. Only proceed with helping the person stand if they are fully alert, cooperative, and report no significant pain.
Step-by-Step Guide for Assisting a Person to Stand
If the initial assessment confirms it is safe to proceed, the helper should first gather the necessary supportive tools and prepare the immediate environment. Clear away any objects near the person that could cause tripping, such as rugs or small furniture, to ensure a clear path. A sturdy, stable chair should be brought close to the fallen person to serve as the primary aid for the transition back to standing.
The first physical step is to move the person from lying flat onto their side, which minimizes strain. Instruct them to bend the knee closest to the ceiling and use their elbows to help roll themselves toward the helper. Constant, calm communication throughout this process is important to ensure they are moving at a comfortable pace and not overexerting themselves.
Once on their side, guide the person to slowly push up onto their hands and knees (the “all fours” position). Ensure the person is stable, taking a moment to check for any sudden onset of dizziness or pain from the change in posture. If dizziness occurs, they should immediately rest back down onto the floor until the sensation passes.
The sturdy chair should now be positioned directly in front of the person, facing them, so they can reach out and place both hands firmly on the seat. The helper should kneel behind the person, offering support at the hips or torso without pulling upwards. This positioning ensures the helper is preventing a backward fall rather than attempting to lift the person.
Instruct the person to slide one foot forward so it is flat on the floor, similar to a lunge position, while maintaining a firm grip on the chair seat. Using the strength of their arms pressing down on the chair and their forward leg, they should then push up to a half-kneeling position. The person should focus on using their larger leg muscles rather than relying on the helper’s arm strength to execute the movement.
From the half-kneeling position, the person brings the second foot forward to meet the first, settling into a low squat or seated position on the chair. The helper should maintain a supporting presence, guarding against a sudden loss of balance during the final push. Once seated, they should pause for several minutes before attempting to stand fully, allowing their blood pressure to stabilize and prevent a further fall from orthostatic hypotension.
Monitoring and Underlying Causes of Falls
Even after a successful assist, the individual requires close observation for the next 24 to 48 hours, as some injuries, particularly internal ones, can manifest delayed symptoms. Monitor for changes in mental status, such as increasing confusion, excessive sleepiness, or persistent dizziness, which could indicate a concussion or internal head injury. New or worsening pain in any part of the body that was previously asymptomatic also warrants an immediate call to a healthcare provider.
Following any fall, it is important to address the underlying factors that contributed to the incident to prevent recurrence. A discussion with a primary care physician is recommended to review current medications, as side effects like drowsiness or blood pressure fluctuations can significantly increase fall risk. Environmental hazards, such as poor lighting, loose carpets, or lack of grab bars, should also be assessed and corrected immediately to create a safer living space.