If You Fall
How to Get Up from a Fall
- Whether you’re at home or somewhere else, a sudden fall can be startling and upsetting. If you do fall, stay as calm as possible. Take several deep breaths to try to relax.
- Decide if you are hurt. Getting up too quickly or the wrong way could make an injury worse.
- If you’re hurt or can’t get up on your own, ask someone for help or call 911. If you’re alone, try to get into a comfortable position and wait for help to arrive.
- If you think you can get up safely, roll over onto your side. Push yourself up into a seated position.
- Rest a bit to let your body and blood pressure adjust.
- Slowly get up on your hands and knees and crawl to a sturdy chair.
- Place your hands on the seat of the chair and slide one foot forward so that it is flat on the floor. Keep the other leg bent with the knee on the floor.
- From this kneeling position, slowly rise and turn your body to sit in the chair.
Source: NIH Senior Health: National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Aging and National Library of Medicine 2007. Reprinted with permission.
The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Last Updated: 06/30/2011
Copyright © 05/26/2010 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. UWH #6627
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