What is what to do when a patient falls in hospital?

Here's information on what to do when a patient falls in a hospital:

When a patient falls in a hospital setting, immediate and appropriate action is crucial. Here's a breakdown of essential steps:

1. Immediate Assessment: First and foremost, do not move the patient immediately unless they are in immediate danger (e.g., blocked airway). Assess the patient's condition for any signs of immediate injury, such as:

   • Loss of consciousness
   • Breathing difficulties
   • Obvious deformities
   • Severe pain
   • Bleeding

2. Call for Assistance: Activate the hospital's emergency response system or call for help immediately. Clearly state the location and that a patient has fallen. More hands are needed for assessment and safe movement.

3. Careful Movement (if necessary): If the patient must be moved before help arrives (e.g., to clear an airway), do so carefully, supporting their head and neck to prevent further injury. If possible, wait for trained personnel.

4. Thorough Examination: Once assistance arrives, a more thorough examination should be conducted. This includes:

   • Vital signs (pulse, blood pressure, respiration, temperature)
   • Neurological assessment (level of consciousness, pupillary response, motor function)
   • Assessment for pain and injuries (head, neck, back, limbs, hips).

5. Documentation: Meticulous documentation is essential. Record everything related to the fall, including:

   • Time and location of the fall
   • Patient's account of the fall (if they are able to communicate)
   • Witness accounts (if any)
   • Assessment findings
   • Interventions provided
   • Notifications made (physician, family, etc.)
   • Incident report completion

6. Notification: Notify the patient's physician immediately. Also, inform the patient's family or designated contact person, following hospital policy and respecting patient confidentiality.

7. Post-Fall Monitoring: Implement post-fall monitoring protocols. This may include frequent vital sign checks, neurological assessments, and pain management.

8. Fall Prevention: Review the patient's fall risk assessment and implement or adjust fall prevention strategies as needed. This might involve:

   • Ensuring the patient has access to assistive devices (e.g., walkers, canes).
   • Adjusting medication (if contributing to falls).
   • Improving environmental safety (e.g., removing clutter, ensuring adequate lighting).
   • Implementing bed or chair alarms.
   • Increasing patient supervision.