Fire Department Urges Safety Precautions to Prevent Injuries from Falls

A 74-year-old woman was hospitalized with serious, but not life-threatening injuries after a fall around 7:47 a.m. Thursday, according to Capt. James Rostek, Anne Arundel County Fire Department spokesman. She was taken to the shock trauma center in Baltimore.
"It doesn't take much to break a bone," Rostek said. "People have to be careful."

In Anne Arundel County Firefighters respond to more than 5,000 emergency calls a year for falls. “We need to raise awareness of preventive measures that can keep our seniors safe.  The good news is, by implementing appropriate risk management steps falls are preventable ” said Fire Chief John Robert Ray.  Studies show that a combination of interventions can significantly reduce falls in the older adult population.

Anne Arundel County Executive John R. Leopold and Fire Chief John Robert Ray urge residents to check for hazards and take the appropriate precautions to help prevent falls.  Each year thousands of older adults suffer falls in the home.  “Falls are the leading cause of unintentional injuries in the home and result in more than 18,000 deaths per year” said County Executive John R. Leopold.  In fact, the National Council on Aging has reported that falls are the leading cause of fatal injuries for Americans 65 and older, and this rate has risen dramatically over the last 10 years.  

The Anne Arundel County Fire Department offers the following suggestions to help prevent unintentional falls:

• Remove tripping hazards from the floors by keeping all floor areas free of debris
• Use double-sided tape or a non-slip backing to secure all throw rugs and carpeting.
• Always keep objects off the stairs.
• Make sure carpet is firmly attached to every step, or remove the carpet and attach a non-slip rubber tread.
• Are the handrails loose or broken?  Fix loose handrails or put in new ones. Make

            sure handrails are on both sides of the stairs and are as long as the stairs.

• Keep/store items used regularly on lower shelves
• Never stand on a chair or other items of furniture
• If a step stool is need, utilize one with a hand rail or bar.
• Put non-skid rubber mats or self-stick strips on the floor of the tub or shower

            Install grab bars/handles to assist with entry/exit to the tub or toilet.

• Utilize lamps/night lights to assist movement and travel through dark areas of the home

In addition, experts recommend a physical activity regimen with balance, strength training, and flexibility components; consulting with a health professional about current medical conditions and having medications reviewed periodically. 

Additional information regarding Fall Prevention and other safety issues can be can be obtained on the Anne Arundel County Fire Department’s website at:

http://www.aacounty.org/Fire/PublicEd/FactSheets.cfm