
Guiding the Fall
Help falling patients to the floor with as little impact as possible. If you’re near a wall, gently push the patient against it to slow the fall. If you can, move close enough to “hug” the patient. Focus on protecting the patient’s head as you move down to the floor. Then call for help.
Blanket under patient
Moving a Fallen Patient
Patients who’ve fallen may feel dizzy or faint. Reassure them as you determine whether they’ve been injured. If so, tend to the injury before doing anything else. If the patient isn’t injured, you can prepare for the move back to a bed or stretcher. Get help. Four or more people may be needed.
1 Roll onto Blanket
- Roll the patient onto his or her side.
- Put a blanket under the patient and roll the patient onto it.
- Position 2 or more people on each side of the patient.
Palms up
2 Lift from Floor
- Kneel on 1 knee and grasp the blanket.
- On a count of 3, lift the patient and stand up.
- Move the patient onto a bed or stretcher.