Emergency Department Statistics Emergency Department Statistics Jan to Dec 2013Jan to Dec 2013

People Aged 65 or morePeople Aged 65 or more

By Joanne Doherty Injury Prevention Officer By Joanne Doherty Injury Prevention Officer

What We Know What We Know In 2013:

•38% of new attendances were due to trauma or poisoning

•10% of these occurred in adults 65+years (increased by11% from 2012)

•An additional 142 older people required further treatment compared to 2012

•79% of all trauma happened in / around the home

•Falls from a height or same level was the most common cause

Why Are We Falling Why Are We Falling

“MAKING WAY FROM BED TO TOILET AT 3AM - HAD FALL “

“FELL DOWN 3 STEPS WHEN CLIMBING INTO CUPBOARD”

“FELL PUTTING CLOTHES ON - HIT SHOULDER ON DOOR FRAME”

Why Are We Falling Why Are We Falling

“FELL DOWN 2 STEPS AND HIT HEAD ON BIN”

“TRIPPED ON SKIRT AND FELL WITH GLASS IN HAND”

Why Are We Falling Why Are We Falling

“GOT UP HALF ASLEEP - FELL BETWEEN TV UNIT AND WALL”

“TRIPPED ON CARPETED FLOOR AT HOME”

“STOOD UP TO GO TO BED - TRIPPED AND FELL”

Why Are We FallingWhy Are We Falling

“GOT OUT OF BED TO GO TO TOILET - HAD A FALL ON STAIRS”

“REACHING DOWN TO GET A BOOK WHEN FELL”

Make Your Home Falls Free Make Your Home Falls Free

In the Bedroom•Turn lights on •Take time to waken up•If you need glasses wear them •Tuck your sheets in

Make Your Home Falls Free Make Your Home Falls Free

Living Room•Arrange furniture to have clear paths•Keep the floor clutter free•Lift or move mats •Don’t run cables across rooms

Make Your Home Falls Free Make Your Home Falls Free

Hall & Stairs •Keep things off the stairs •Hold on to the bannister•Don’t carry too much •Turn the light on

Make Your Home Falls Free Make Your Home Falls Free

Other Safety Tips•If you’re ill tell someone•If you feel unsteady slow down•Have your medicines reviewed•Have a phone near your bed or chair •Stay active

Falls at home can be prevented

DON’T BE A STATISTIC!

Make Your Home Falls Free Make Your Home Falls Free