1. Emergency Department Statistics
Jan to Dec 2013
People Aged 65 or more
By Joanne Doherty Injury Prevention Officer

2. What We Know
In 2013:
•38% of new attendances were due to trauma or
poisoning
•10% of these occurred in adults 65+years
(increased by11% from 2012)
•An additional 142 older people required further
treatment compared to 2012
•79% of all trauma happened in / around the home
•Falls from a height or same level was the most
common cause

3. Why Are We Falling
“MAKING WAY FROM BED TO TOILET AT
3AM - HAD FALL “
“FELL DOWN 3 STEPS WHEN CLIMBING
INTO CUPBOARD”
“FELL PUTTING CLOTHES ON - HIT
SHOULDER ON DOOR FRAME”

4. Why Are We Falling
“FELL DOWN 2 STEPS AND HIT HEAD ON
BIN”
“TRIPPED ON SKIRT AND FELL WITH GLASS
IN HAND”

5. Why Are We Falling
“GOT UP HALF ASLEEP - FELL BETWEEN TV
UNIT AND WALL”
“TRIPPED ON CARPETED FLOOR AT HOME”
“STOOD UP TO GO TO BED - TRIPPED AND
FELL”

6. Why Are We Falling
“GOT OUT OF BED TO GO TO TOILET - HAD
A FALL ON STAIRS”
“REACHING DOWN TO GET A BOOK WHEN
FELL”

7. Make Your Home Falls Free
In the Bedroom
•Turn lights on
•Take time to waken up
•If you need glasses wear them
•Tuck your sheets in

8. Make Your Home Falls Free
Living Room
•Arrange furniture to have clear paths
•Keep the floor clutter free
•Lift or move mats
•Don’t run cables across rooms

9. Make Your Home Falls Free
Hall & Stairs
•Keep things off the stairs
•Hold on to the bannister
•Don’t carry too much
•Turn the light on

10. Make Your Home Falls Free
Other Safety Tips
•If you’re ill tell someone
•If you feel unsteady slow down
•Have your medicines reviewed
•Have a phone near your bed or chair
•Stay active

11. Make Your Home Falls Free
Falls at home can be prevented
DON’T BE A STATISTIC!