What Should I Do After I’ve Fallen?

Updated 7/20/17 11:49am | If you fall, there is little time to think and take action, so being prepared is crucial when you are awaiting help.

Falls can lead to serious injuries and a loss of independence. The last thing you want is to worsen the situation.

With your Alert1 medical alert system, you stay one step ahead after a fall. But there's still more to it. The moments after a fall can be scary and stressful. That's why it's important to know exactly what to do after a fall.

This article will go in detail about what you should do immediately after a fall to make getting help as easy as possible.

Trust in your Alert1 medical system. Our products are made with you in mind, and will work when and how you need them to.

Help will get to you in the fastest way possible with Alert1. After a fall, you should:

• Press your help button immediately. Since it's worn on your wrist, around your neck, or clipped to your belt, your pendant always within reach. Press the help button to connect to an operator who will get you help. If you have an Alert1 fall detection pendant, it will sense your fall and connect you to the operator without the press of a button.
• Speak to a TMA 5 Diamond Certified operator. Alert1 operators have specific training and know exactly how to help you in any situation. You will have peace of mind knowing that a professional is at the other end of the line helping you every step of the way.
• Decide who you want to come to your rescue. Choose who you want from your customizable Circle of Care. If you are unsure, our operators will help you decide who would be the best person to come help you is.

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After a fall, you may be in shock and desperate to get help so it's crucial to remain calm. Until help arrives it's important to:

• Take a few deep breaths and keep still. No matter how hard or light the fall was, give yourself a minute to breathe and collect yourself. As much as you may want to get up, remain in place to avoid getting more hurt.
• Determine the level of pain you are in. Some falls are less severe than others. Whatever the situation is, determine how much pain you are in so you can tell the operator who will then call for help.
• Get into a comfortable position as you wait. You may have trauma after the fall so avoid sitting or lying against body parts that are in pain. Position yourself in a way that doesn't increase pain so you can remain calm while help arrives.

The operator is on the line to help and can only do so with the right information. Although you might be in pain, try your best to communicate well so the operator can help you.

Help will arrive even when you cannot respond, but if possible be sure to:

• Be as verbal as possible. Tell the operator details of everything that has happened. This includes symptoms, your level of pain, and any medical conditions you have. They will provide you with the best course of action until help arrives.
• Provide details of your location. The operator will transfer this information to whoever comes to your rescue. When help arrives, they will know where to find you without wasting any time. If you have a PAX mobile alert or PAX Plus alert, GPS technology will send your location to the operator.
• Give instructions on how to enter your home. Whoever comes to your aid will do whatever it takes to reach you. EMS might decide to break down a door or window to reach you. Provide the operator with specific instructions to avoid potential damages. Give them your Alert1 lock box location and code, or the location of any hidden keys.
• Stay on the line with the operator. Our operators will stay on the line with you so that you are never alone in your time of need. They will make sure you always feel safe and secure as you wait for emergency responders to arrive. 

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The last thing you need to do after a fall is simple; be patient and rest assured as you wait for help to arrive.

You've already done all the necessary steps to make this scary moment as easy as possible. Before you know will be in safe hands.

At Alert1, we want to give seniors the ability to age in place for as long as possible. That's why we want our members to know exactly what to do after a fall.

The more you know about how to handle a fall, the more you will be ready to overcome it.

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• Why Should Independent Seniors Consider Medical Alert Devices?
• Senior Fall Prevention 101: Preventing Complications
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