Page 24 - FALL GUIDELINES MOH 2019

Other Considerations

 Clean and dress any wounds sustained from the fall. Consider the administration of
tetanus toxoid if appropriate.
 Provide analgesia if indicated.
 Order relevant investigations such as ECG, X-rays and blood tests (full blood count,
coagulaton profile, septic screening)
 Consider CT head if there is suspicion of head injury (and if CT findings will alter
management)
 Review medications (eg. antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy) and discontinue if
appropriate
 Notify the caregiver about the fall at the earliest opportunity.

Post-Fall Review

 Explore the circumstances surrounding the fall by speaking to the patient and witnesses
 Details of the review should include the mechanisms of fall
 Identify fear of falling
 Refer as appropriate (eg. to the physiotherapist/occupational therapist/pharmacist/etc)
 Implement a targeted, individualized plan based on the findings of the assessment
 Communicate to everyone involved (staff, patient, caregivers) regarding assessment
findings and management recommendations.

Reporting the Fall (Refer to Appendix 2)

 Document details of the fall, circumstances and immediate response in the medical
records
 Notify as per local guidelines.

Fragility Fracture Post-fall

 Refer to the orthopedic team
 Commence osteoporosis treatment as per guideline with appropriate follow up
 Refer to the relevant unit for long term osteoporosis management
 Check baseline BMD to guide subsequent management

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