Picking yourself up
By RW Bro Ted Simmons OAM
If you
have a fall We all come unstuck sometimes, but how do you manage to pick yourself up after you have had a fall?
W
hether it’s in the street, in the garden or in the house, falls can happen anywhere and at any time and to anyone. But there are certain facts and procedures which can minimise falls and prevent complications. Falls send more people, especially men and older people to the doctor than any other injury. People have been worried by a spreading virus, terrorism, sharks and other dangers but more than 600,000 people each year are estimated to die worldwide from falls. Survey results show that falls are the second leading cause of death by injury after road accidents. Roof tops, cliffs and buildings are not the most dangerous areas. It is the everyday low-level areas such as footpaths, shopping aisles, showers, stairs and even a tumble out of bed which are the more dangerous. Speaking from recent personal experience and a subsequent week in hospital, I listened very carefully when the
22
September 2020
Take your time, check whether you can easily move your head, arms or legs without pain.
following advice was given during my recovery period. Be careful, even in the most ordinary places. Check your home for loose rugs, wear good shoes with tread and don’t wear high heels on slippery surfaces. If you feel lightheaded or faint sit down immediately, use a cane or walker if required and get a hearing aid if you need one to improve your balance. If you fall in your home, try to protect your head and roll but don’t panic. If you
have an emergency plan or telephone, use them. It is important to know who to call for help and let trusted family and friends know how to get into your house if you are unable to move. And try to have a phone on a low table in case it is difficult to stand up. Check whether you can move. If you can, try the following suggestions. Roll on to your side and try to move on to your hands and knees. If there is a nearby chair or other support try to drag yourself to it. Face the chair and get on to your knees. If you can’t bend your knees very well, slide along on your bottom. If you can use your knees, ease on to your elbows, bring one knee forward and put that foot onto the floor, then use the chair as a support to push up with your arms so that you can ease yourself into a standing position, turn yourself gently and sit on a firm surface. If you can stand, rest for a while before making any further moves. If you can’t move or get up, consider the following procedures. Is there any way you can attract attention? Shout and bang something,
Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason
