FALL PREVENTION
One out of five falls cause a serious injury such as a broken bone or a head injury. These injuries can make it hard for a person to get around, do everyday activities, or live on their own.
South Metro is committed to assisting our older adult population stay active, healthy, and as independent as possible for as long as possible. The biggest risk we have found to this longevity is falls.
But there's good news! Falls are NOT inevitable. You can find resources for fall prevention below:
Talk to Your Doctor
Doctors and pharmacists can help provide information regarding medicines that may increase your risk of falling, check your eyes for vision changes, and screen you for osteoporosis. Ask your doctor about your personal fall risk and ways to prevent falls.
What Should I ask my doctor during a check up?
(National Institute on Aging)
Home Fall Prevention Checklist
Falls are not a normal part of aging. You can keep on your feet and avoid the risk of a fall. Take steps to stay safe and independent longer.
Strength and Balance Resources
Do exercises that make your legs stronger and improve your balance. Tai Chi is a good example of this kind of exercise.
Follow the link for additional resources on strengthening your body to prevent falls from AgeWise Colorado.
VIDEOS for Fall Prevention
Alissa Ray, PT, DPT, explains how to increase stability during every day movements.
These may be things you don't consciously think about at the moment, but as we age, these common movements can increase in difficulty and lead to injury if we're not careful.
Click on each of the photos below to view their corresponding video.
You can also watch our videos on the VIDEO LIBRARY page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I do if I fall?
First, take a deep breath. You need to assess if you are injured. If you are injured and think you need to go to the emergency room, call 911. Paramedics will come to you and help assess your injuries and transport you to the ER if necessary.
If you are not injured but cannot get up on your own, call 911 and ask for a Lift Assist. Tell the dispatcher that you have fallen, are not injured, and need help. They will send a crew to your address to help you up.
Follow this link for a video on techniques on getting up off the ground or helping a loved one. "Captain Lift Assist" Youtube Video
Does it cost me money if the fire department helps me up after a fall?
Not a penny. You have already paid for the fire department's services through your taxes! A Lift Assist is a free service we provide. If you call 911, South Metro Firefighters and Paramedics will arrive to evaluate you, and with your consent, transport you to the hospital for further evaluation and care. The evaluation is free, however, transport by ambulance is a separate cost.
How will firefighters get inside my home if I have fallen and can't unlock my door?
Short answer is: We'll get in. We have a large truck full of tools and strong firefighters capable of getting into just about any building. However, South Metro is trained to do as least amount of damage as possible for the level of the emergency we are responding to. So for instance, if your house is on fire or someone inside is unconscious, we're most likely going to damage the door or frame getting inside as quickly as possible. If you've fallen and aren't injured and would just like a hand getting up, we are much more careful about the damage we do cause getting into your home (picking locks, minor lock damage, breaking a small window, etc).
An option for residents to help firefighters gain access is purchasing a residential Knox Box that only our SMFR crews have a key for. This can be purchased from the Sentry Technology products:
https://sentrypro.net/residential-box-south-metro-fr/
You will be responsible for mounting it near the entry door and calling our Fire Marshal's Office at 720-989-2230 to request your keys be installed. We will have someone obtain your keys and secure your Knox box for you. We will then add a note to your address with SMFR Dispatch so the presence of the box will be known to SMFR crews. South Metro does not require these knox boxes to be purchased as we understand they are expensive. We want to provide this option should it provide you with peace of mind.
What medications put me at an increased risk of falling?
Benzodiazepines, Opiates, Antidepressants, Anticonvulsants, muscle relaxants, and so many others can put you at a higher risk of a fall. Whenever you change or add to your medications, talk to your doctor about fall risk and steps you can take to limit that risk.
Follow this link for more information from the National Council on Aging:
What Medications Increase the Risk of Falling Among Older Adults