First Aid For
Falls and Trips

Here's a guide to treating falls, both minor and major, and when to seek medical help. First aid for falls and trips is fairly straight forward, there are just a few things you'll need to watch for.

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First Aid For Falls

• Apply an ice pack on bruised area.
• Use a pain reliever to control pain if needed.
• Rest if at all possible.
• Monitor the patient for the next 24 hours looking for any change in behavior such as unsteady walking, blurred vision, slurred speech or losing consciousness

First Aid for major falls:

What is a major fall?

• Any fall that involves the head, neck and spine or hipbones.
• Any fall where the person loses consciousness even if just for a moment.
• If there is clear liquid coming from the nose, ear or mouth.
• If the patient is having difficulty breathing.
• If the patient is not breathing begin CPR immediately.

• Call 911.
• DO NOT move the patient.
• Try to keep the patient still with the neck and spine straight.
• If you have to move the patient use two people to keep back and neck straight.
• While waiting for help check breathing and pulse.
• Stop any bleeding.
• DO NOT try to straighten out any twisted limbs.
• DO NOT try and push any bones that might have broken through the surface of the skin back under the skin.
• We have a first aid section on treating broken bones here.
• Look for signs of shock. (Pale complexion, sweaty clammy skin, rapid or uneven breathing, unconsciousness). Elevate the feet of the patient about 12in. DO NOT elevate the feet if you expect spinal or back injury or if doing so causes the patient any discomfort.

Call 911 immediately if...

• The patient has trouble staying awake or is overly sleepy.
• Is vomiting.
• Is not walking normally.
• Has slurred speech.
• Has trouble focusing or paying attention.
• Complains of neck or back pain.
• Has increased pain.
• The injury involves the spinal column, the back, neck, hips, ribcage or a joint.