Stepping out safely 17 16 Stepping out safely What to do if you fall The first and most important thing is to stay calm. Take a moment to assess the situation and check for injuries. If you’re not hurt and you feel strong enough to get up, follow the steps below. Do take your time though and rest between each stage. If you’re unable to get up or your feel any pain in your hips or back, call for help (see the page opposite). 1. Roll onto your hands and knees and look for a stable piece of furniture like a chair or a bed. 2. Crawl over to it and hold on with both hands to support yourself. 3. Slowly, one leg at a time, lift yourself up. Make sure you keep both hands firmly on the furniture for support. 4. Sit down and take a rest for a few minutes. If you have a cordless landline phone or mobile phone, it’ a good idea to carry it in your pocket or on your belt. Programme the phone with the numbers of neighbours, relatives or friends who could help you if you do have a fall. If you can’t get up... You’ll need to summon help by: • Calling for help and banging on the wall, floor or a radiator. • Use your aid call button if you have one. • If you can get to your phone, call your neighbours, a family member or 999. • Keep warm. Cover yourself with a blanket, rug, coat or anything else you can find. • Support your head with a cushion or rolled up piece of clothing. • Keep moving if you can by changing your position regularly. This will help to keep you warm and maintain circulation.