When falls and slips happen

Some years ago, I slipped down the stairs of our home. It resulted in a cracked fibula which required me to be in a cast for two months. I have been living in our house for over two decades, that when the accident happened, it seemed inconceivable, and even absurd, how I can still slip on a flight of stairs which I know I can safely negotiate even if I am sleepwalking.

Aside from burns and cuts, slips and falls are common household accidents as well.

In the event of such accidents at home, Medicard Philippines Inc.’s Onsite Clinic Management and Health Promotion department head Dr. Pauleen Faustino advises the following:

Check first the body part that hit the ground for any discoloration or unusual look or where it is most painful.

Apply cold compress on the affected area to halt any bleeding inside the tissue. This usually prevents further swelling in the area.

If a change in shape is noticed, for example, a curve on the forearm or wrist is observed, bring the arm closer to the chest, prevent further movement and support it until medical attention is available.

While falls and slips usually just leave us with a sore bum and an even more sore ego, there may be instances when a fall or a slip causes a serious injury such as a broken bone or a head injury.

“Do a quick ‘sweep’ over the head, similar to when applying hair gel, feel the scalp and check for bumps or wounds,” said Dr. Faustino, if the injury is to the head. “Apply cold compress on bumps identified. If there are wounds, wash with soap and water. If the wound is too big or if bleeding continues, consult a medical professional.”

It pays, of course, to make our living spaces fall-proof and slip-proof in order to avoid untoward accidents. Get a stable, non-slip step stool or kitchen ladder so that you will not be tempted to keep using that wobbly kitchen stool when getting items from your tall, hard to reach cabinets.

Purchase non-slip backing for your rugs. Install anti-slip stair treads or apply a coat of anti-slip floor finish on your stairs to make it less slippery. Make sure that your stairs’ railings are stable. If your stairs do not have railings, now is the time to ask your carpenter to build handrails on your stairs.

Mount horizontal and/or vertical grab bars in your bathroom to make it safer, especially for senior members of the family. Use nonskid shower or bath mats.

Avoid clutter to lessen the chances of people tripping over. Stop leaving piles of shoes, slippers, clothes and other unnecessary items especially on walkways and stairways.

Health maintenance organization Medicard has fully equipped free-standing clinics where members—and even nonmembers—can consult in case of injuries from falling or slipping. Medicard’s team of board-certified doctors and well-trained nurses and clinic staff is always at the ready to provide solutions to patients’ medical concerns.

Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cdc.gov; Healthline, healthline.com; Mayo Clinic, mayoclinic.org; Photos from Pexels