Clinical Procedures - Aiding a Falling Patient • It is essential that if a patient falls, the member of staff must not try to catch the patient, but must allow them to fall. as there is no safe method for this situation • Allowing the patient to fall may feel contrary to the staff's natural instincts to help but trying to catch a patient will only result in injury to staff • Instead, every attempt must be made to reduce injury to the patient (e.g. moving objects out of the patient's way if possible). Procedure Falling in a forward direction • If a member of staff is walking with a patient as they fall in a forward direction, the member of staff must allow the patient to fall. Falling towards a member of staff • If the fall is towards the member of staff, it may be possible to control the patient's movements safely to minimize injury to them • The member of staff should move close to the patient, standing directly behind them with their leg closest to the patient flexed. Then they should gently guide the patient's body down their flexed leg to the floor. Procedure Tips • The risk of falling should be minimized by only performing tasks appropriate to the patient's ability (e.g. only allow patients to walk if they are fully mobile) • Use equipment to reduce the risk of falls i.e. Zimmer frames or walking sticks • A patient falling is an unpredictable and sudden event. However, the member of staff should take every care to maintain a good posture at all times, avoiding twisting or stretching • D If present when a patient falls, the member of staff should immediately call for assistance, to ensure an adequate number of staff are present if the situation turns into an emergency. Documentation • All patients should have assessments carried out within 24 hours of admission and placed in their file • Any fall or issues should be documented in the patient's notes to ensure other ward staff are aware of problems.
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