Ambulance team urges winter falls safety

The Ambulance and Rescue Service in Guernsey and Alderney is urging older residents to take care this winter to prevent falls.

It said falls were a leading cause of emergency calls on the islands, especially during cold or icy weather.

Older people are advised to stay calm if they fall, check themselves carefully, and, if possible, roll on to their side, push up to hands and knees, and move to a sturdy chair or sofa before standing, the ambulance team said.

If they cannot get up, they should use a phone or pendant alarm to call for help, keep warm, move slightly to protect circulation, and call 999 immediately if they are injured, in pain, or confused, it said.

Anna Parry, managing director of the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives, said "every winter, thousands of older people fall and struggle to get back on their feet".

She said carrying a mobile phone, wearing a pendant alarm, or practising how to get up safely "can make a real difference".

Dr Ian Higginson, president of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, said falls were a common reason older people ended up in emergency departments and could cause serious injury, and that following advice "could help prevent a hospital visit."

• Carry a mobile phone or wear a pendant alarm
• Have a key-safe or give a spare key to someone trusted
• Wear well-fitting slippers with grip
• Keep paths clear of clutter and trailing wires
• Stay active – even gentle movement helps
• Eat regularly and keep hydrated and don't drink too much alcohol, especially if you feel unsteady
• Get your eyes and hearing checked
• Never rush when standing up

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