We’ve all heard the catchy cry made famous by the LifeCall commercial. Although the phrase has become the root of countless jokes over the past three decades, the subject of falling is no laughing matter.
Falls are common, especially among the elderly. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that one in three adults (65 and older) experiences a spill every year. While some of these falls may seem inconsequential, others are far more serious. Falls actually are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries among the elderly, and they increase the risk of early death.
Some falls seem harmless and even mildly amusing (under the right circumstances), while others simply take your breath away with the fear factor that’s involved. In some cases, the fall victim might feel fine immediately after the accident but might suffer pain or discomfort within hours or even a few days later. In other cases, the need for immediate medical attention is apparent.
But one of the primary elements of first-aid knowledge is an understanding of when it’s necessary to seek help. Below are five falls that ALWAYS should mandate the attention of a physician.
Five Falls that Call for Medical Attention
If any of these following situations occur, start with a call to a physician – at the very least. The doctor may request an examination, offer advice on home care and monitoring, or might even refer you or the patient to the hospital emergency room.
It’s always best to seek medical advice in these scenarios: