How we respond to Falls
Falls are not an inevitable part of ageing... This is Bill's story. It shows how people can be supported at home following a fall. Can you reduce the risk of falling? Yes. Assess your own risk of falling and make a personalised falls prevention plan; you can join in with Bill's Otago class too! https://fallsassistant.org.uk/
Having a fall can be a very traumatic and frightening experience.
Calling 999 for a fall now offers varied responses to accommodate the needs of the individual. The responses are designed to provide the most appropriate interventions in as timely a manner as possible.
Here are the possible responses for a 999 call where someone has fallen:-
- The call details suggest a serious injury or emergency and an ambulance will attend. The ambulance crew will assess and examine the patient and decide whether to attend A&E or refer to community services while patient remains at home.
- If the call details require further clarification, then the call will be passed to a clinician ( potentially a paramedic) who will ask questions to assist in identifying what the patient requires. The response could be and ambulance as above or it could be referral to community services.
Further developments in relation to our response to falls calls are being sought. We are working towards a more integrated approach with all out community health and social care partners.
Our aim is to provide the most appropriate help in a timely manner in the place best suited to the patients needs.
