Patient Education Materials

What to Do If You Fall

If you fall at home, remember

• Step 1. Stay quiet for a moment — don’t panic.
• Step 2. Decide whether or not to try to get up.

If you decide to try to get up

• Step 1. Use strong, stable furniture for support as you try to get up.
• Step 2. Take some time to recover from your fall after you get up.
• Step 3. Tell someone that you had a fall.
• Step 4. Get medical advice if necessary.

If you cannot get up, or if you decide not to try

• Step 1. Slide or crawl to get help if you can. You might be able to reach one of the following:
  • Telephone
  • Personal alarm device
  • Door to the outside
  • Something to make a loud noise
• Step 2. Tell someone you have fallen and need help.
• Step 3. After calling for help, lie quietly until help arrives. Keep as warm and comfortable as you can.
• Step 4. Get medical advice if necessary.

If you have questions