In day-to-day working life, accidental fall occurs. Falling itself can lead to different degrees of injury, such as fractures, bruises and sprains, which, if not properly addressed, can easily trigger a second injury, exacerbate the injury and affect the health and quality of life of the injured. Therefore, it is important to understand and actively implement measures to prevent secondary injuries after falling.
After an accidental fall, the first thing to do is to stay calm and avoid panic. Frightenedness can lead to blind movement of the wounded, thereby exacerbating the injuries. In the event of a fall that appears to be fractured, the free movement of fractured parts may result in the movement of fractured ends, damage to vital tissues such as the surrounding vascular, neurological, etc., causing more severe bleeding, swelling or functional impairment. The correct approach is to assess its own condition and to determine the approximate location and extent of the injury. If it is felt that a particular part of the body is in severe pain, swelling or restricted activity, it should be as stable as possible. If a fall occurs outside the house, it should, as far as possible, attract the attention of the surroundings and signal help in dialling a first aid phone or contacting family. Care should be taken to protect the wounded from further collisions or oppression while awaiting rescue. A simple dressing or fixation of the injured part may be made by means of articles such as clothing and backpacks. In the case of injury to the leg, the clothing can be folded under the leg to provide some support and buffer; in the case of injury to the arm, the arm may be suspended in the chest with a scarf or tie to reduce the shaking of the arm.
Even more careful is the need for post-fall head injuries. A fall on the back of the head may lead to brain damage, even if it is conscious at the time. The severe shaking of the head should be avoided in order to prevent an increase in internal hemorrhage. At the same time, they closely observe their symptoms, such as dizziness, increased headaches, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, cognitive impairment, etc. In the event of these symptoms, it may be suggested that the brain damage is more severe and that, until rescue workers arrive, every effort is made not to get up or move on their own, so that the brain injury does not increase.
When cold weather falls, keep warm. The hypothermia may cause the body to lose too much heat, lead to hypothermia, affect the normal physiological function of the body and slow the healing of the wound. If it falls on the surface of snow or tidal wetlands, it should be removed from the cold and humid environment, moved to the warm and dry and slowly cool. The body may be covered and warmed by articles around it, such as blankets and coats.
When the rescue workers arrive, the injured person shall be informed in good faith of the course of the injury, of the physical feelings and of the measures taken. The rescue personnel conduct specialized treatments based on the condition of the injured person, such as the operation of wound dressings to stop bleeding, fractures, portering, etc. In the process of removal, the wounded are required to maintain their physical stability in accordance with the instructions of the rescue personnel. For example, when a stretcher is used, it is necessary to ensure that the body is in close contact with the stretcher and to avoid falling or shaking during the removal.
The post-fall rehabilitation period should also not lose sight of the importance of preventing secondary injuries. In the rehabilitation process, treatment and rehabilitation training is carried out on the advice of a doctor. In the case of fractured patients, premature weighting or inappropriate exercise can lead to fracture healing or rebranding. In the early stages of rehabilitation, assistive devices such as crutches, wheelchairs, etc. should be used to assist in weight-sharing and the gradual restoration of body function. At the same time, attention is paid to the safety of the living environment and to the risk factors that may lead to fall, such as water stains on the ground, barriers, etc., and to avoiding falling again during rehabilitation.
Preventing second post-fall injuries requires us to be vigilant and to take the right response at all stages of post-fall. From post-fall calm assessment, self-protection, to proper treatment while awaiting rescue, to careful rehabilitation and environmental safety during rehabilitation, every step is related to the recovery and rehabilitation of the injured. It is only with the full attention and active implementation of these preventive measures that the negative consequences of falling can be minimized and the injured can be guaranteed a prompt return to health and to normal life and work.
