Fall Prevention

SAFETY CORNER

Fall Prevention

The Men and Women of the Broward Sheriffs Office wish you and your families and Happy and Healthy new year. Now that the holiday season is over and we shared joyous moments with our families and friends, it's time to look inside our homes to help ensure we have a safe new year.

Falls are a public health problem affecting people of all ages. According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 684,000 fatalities are caused by falls each year. In the United States, the CDC reports unintentional falls as the leading cause of death among older Americans. It's no surprise that falls make up the most significant percentage of calls for emergency medical services in the City of Weston and accounts for ten percent of Westons' total call volume. Fortunately, there are many things people of all ages can do to help prevent fall incidents and injuries from occurring.

Understanding your level of risk is the first step in helping to prevent falls. While falls occur in all age categories, children ages 0-17 and older adults have the highest risk. Most childhood falls occur due to developing stages of life, increased curiosity, independence, and inadequate supervision. Parents and caregivers need to take extra precautions to prevent falls from occurring. Children should always be buckled in cars, high chairs, strollers, and shopping carts to help prevent unwanted injuries. Children also need a soft place to land. Playgrounds with soft surfaces are very popular and greatly reduce injury risks. Also, make sure your child wears a helmet during wheeled sports activities such as bicycling, skateboarding, skating, or riding a scooter. Taking extra precautions around stairs and ensuring your child knows how to tie their shoes will help prevent them from tripping. Porches, decks, or balconies are not safe places to play. Never leave your child unattended. Older adults, ages 65+ have the most significant risk of death or severe injury resulting from a fall, and the risk of falling increases as we age. These falls have physical, financial, and mental health effects on the victim.

The Centers for Disease Control has developed STEADI – Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths & Injuries – a fall prevention program designed to help older adults identify their risk for falling. STEADI provides information and resources for patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers. To learn more about the STEADI Program, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/steadi/index. html. STEADI also offers a brochure checklist to guide you through a home safety survey. You can find the brochure online at https:// www.cdc.gov/steadi/pdf/check_for_sfaety_brochure.pdf. Take the time to do a home safety survey to identify trip hazards in your home. Also, consider using anti-slip rugs, non-slip mats, or decals in the bathtub or shower, and keep hallways and exits free of clutter. Use night lights to illuminate pathways and hands rails in stairways. Lastly, your health can also play a role in falling causes. Speak to your healthcare providers about any medication, physical, or vision changes.

Prevention is the key to help ensure that falls do not occur. Broward Sheriffs Office Department of Fire Rescue is committed to providing ongoing education about fall prevention to help reduce fall injuries in the City of Weston. To receive a home safety checklist or STEADI resources, please call 954-991-3501 or email Melanie_Brocato@sheriff.org. Together we can help reduce the incidents of falls in our Community.

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