1) Stay calm, pause and take a moment
It is normal to feel shock right after fall. So, try as best as you can to not panic, breathe in and out and let the body become more relax.
2) Plan how to get up from floor
Everyone will have their own way to get up, but you can acknowledge these steps as guide:
⦁ Rolling to one side (side lying)
⦁ Push yourself from side lying to sitting position.
⦁ Crawl towards solid thing such as sofa or furniture
⦁ Kneeling, bend one leg (the stronger one) and foot flat on the floor.
⦁ Both hand on sofa or furniture.
⦁ Push hand and leg, raise up your body
⦁ Sit
3)Symptoms to look after a fall
⦁ Sign of head injury
This is really important part that a person can’t ignore. The sign of head injury are blurred vision, tunnel vision or other visual changes. It also can be ringing in ears, headache, dizziness, loss of balance, confusion or disorientation.
⦁ Laceration
This can happen because of contact with sharp objects. The serious lacerations need an immediate management to prevent infection.
⦁ Ongoing pain
After a history of fall, you may experience an immediate flare of pain. Sometimes the pain will reduce and some become more severe. Try to trace the feeling of pain such as sharp or aching pain and acknowledge site of pain because it can be referral pain for something serious.
⦁ Substantial bruising
Some people did not suffer from any pain after fall and later notice the substantial bruising. This can be indication of internal bleeding, sprains or strains.
⦁ Movement limitations
You may expect a bit stiff and pain after a fall. However, you need to take action when you feel the symptoms become worsen. Check which movement affected, what activities aggravate the pain and pattern of pain.
Trace your symptoms and if you feel something not right, set the appointment and get the professional services.
Prepared by Fatin Nasuha Binti Saharudin
Your Physio Johor