Accidental Older Adult Falls Result In 2.3 Million Emergency Visits Each Year

News provided by

American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP)

Mar 18, 2013, 10:03 ET

Nation's Emergency Physicians Say Many Falls Are Avoidable

WASHINGTON, March 18, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- One out of three adults age 65 and older falls each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  The nation's emergency physicians see the results of people falling each day — ranging from minor injuries to severe traumatic falls that may even result in death.

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"We see so many cases of people who appear to have a minor fall that result in a significant injury," said Dr. Andrew Sama, president of the American College of Emergency Physicians.  "The older you get the more vulnerable you are. The good thing is — many of these falls are preventable if you take action now."  

  • In 2010, 2.3 million nonfatal fall injuries among older adults were treated in emergency departments with more than 662,000 of these patients being hospitalized, according to the CDC.
  • Twenty to thirty percent of people who fall suffer moderate to severe injuries.  They may include hip fractures, head trauma and lacerations. 
  • Falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries.
  • Most fractures among older adults are caused by falls. 
  • Over 95 percent of hip fractures in the United States are caused by falls.

How can we prevent falls from happening? 

There are numerous things that can be done to prevent falls – especially for elderly people. 

  • Reduce the amount of tripping hazards around your house.  Keep loose objects off floors, position furniture in way that you have a lot of walking space and make sure your flooring has a lot of traction.
  • Add grip bars in a tub or shower and next to toilets or any area where you would be more vulnerable to falls.
  • Improve lighting in and around your home – illuminating hard to see areas.
  • Have your eyes examined by a doctor at least once a year and update your eyeglasses as needed.
  • Exercise regularly focusing on increasing leg strength.
  • If you have dizzy spells, see your physician ask them what you can do or perhaps what medications to take in order to reduce them.

For more information about falls or other health-related topics, please visit www.EmergencyCareForYou.org

ACEP is the national medical specialty society representing emergency medicine. ACEP is committed to advancing emergency care through continuing education, research and public education. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, ACEP has 53 chapters representing each state, as well as Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. A Government Services Chapter represents emergency physicians employed by military branches and other government agencies. 

Dr. David John, an emergency physician in Boston, MA is available for interviews on this topic. To request one, please contact Mike Baldyga at 202-728-0610, ext. 3005.

SOURCE American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP)

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