Last year, the Elvis Presley Trauma Center treated nearly 1,500 patients for serious injuries like broken bones and traumatic brain injury that occurred due to a fall.
During Fall Prevention Week, our trauma experts are reaching out with tips to help you guard against falls.
By monitoring your health and surroundings, you can reduce fall hazards and stay healthy and safe!
A fall can happen anywhere, anytime, to anyone – but there are simple, proactive steps you can take to reduce your likelihood of getting hurt.
During Fall Prevention Week September 23-27, the team at our Elvis Presley Trauma Center is reaching out with important information about how to safeguard against falls.
“A fall can happen anywhere… the workplace, home, or on a simple walk to the mailbox,” said Geretta Hollins, Community Outreach and Injury Prevention Program Coordinator for Burn and Trauma Services. “Floor clutter, uneven foundations, and everyday distractions are just a few of the factors that can contribute to a fall.”
Falls can have serious consequences, Hollins noted.
In 2023, 1,490 patients were treated at the Elvis Presley Trauma Center for injuries from falls. That accounted for 21 percent of the trauma center’s patients, second only to motor vehicle accidents as the most common source of injury.
Hollins said falls can cause serious injuries, including broken bones, traumatic brain injury, neck and spinal cord injuries, joint dislocations, cuts and scrapes, and organ damage.
It can be difficult to fully heal from a fall, especially for older patients, she added: “Injuries from falls can make it more difficult for patients to stay active, which can contribute to decreasing strength, balance, agility and stamina. All of those things can unfortunately make it easier for a patient to fall again, creating a vicious cycle of injury and re-injury.”
Fortunately, Hollins said, there are steps everyone can take to prevent falls.
Check your home for fall hazards, such as exposed cords or wires, rugs that aren’t taped down, and clutter on the floor.
First, talk to your doctor and ask them to evaluate your fall risk. This should include having a health care provider or pharmacist review all of the medications you’re taking to see if they have side effects like sleepiness or dizziness that could put you at higher risk for falls.
Ask your doctor to suggest specific steps you can take to reduce your risk of falling, and discuss taking Vitamin D supplements to help promote bone health.
You should also see an eye doctor annually, or anytime you notice vision changes. By correcting your vision with glasses or contacts, you can avoid falling due to poor sight.
It is also important to strengthen your body. Focus on exercises that build leg and core strength and improve your balance. That way, if something happens that could cause a fall, you’re more likely to be able to keep yourself upright.
Along with looking at yourself, look around your home, workplace, and other places you visit frequently to assess and address any fall hazards.
Get rid of anything you could trip over, such as exposed cords or wires; and use double-sided tape to prevent rugs from slipping and becoming a fall hazard. Also, de-clutter your space as much as possible by keeping toys, shoes and clothing, packages, etc. off the floor.
It’s also smart to avoid the need to climb on ladders or step stools. Try to keep frequently used items in cabinets that you can reach easily.
Falls can cause serious injuries, including broken bones, traumatic brain injury, organ damage, and cuts and abrasions.
In the bathroom, consider adding grab bars, especially in the tub and near the toilet. This can help you avoid slipping if the floor is wet.
Finally, make sure you have good lighting. Add lights or use brighter bulbs, and at night use nightlights in hallways and bathrooms so you can see where you’re going.
“The theme of this year’s Fall Prevention Week is ‘From Awareness to Action,’ and we hope everyone in the Mid-South takes that to heart,” Hollins said. “Fall injuries can be serious, so any step you can take to prevent a fall protects you and the people around you.”
Regional One Health offers a fall prevention program for churches, businesses, civic groups and other organizations. Schedule a free class by emailing [email protected].
The Elvis Presley Trauma Center is the only Level-1 Trauma Center in a 150-mile radius of Memphis. A multispecialty team of experts is available 24/7 to treat the most critically injured patients from Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas, and parts of Missouri.
The Firefighters Burn Center is the only full-service burn center in 400 miles of Memphis that is verified by the American Burn Association. It provides comprehensive care including emergency and critical care, intensive care, specialized burn rehabilitation, and laser and plastic surgery.