7 Things ER Doctors Say You Should Always Do After A Fall

People of any age are susceptible to falling, but older adults are especially at risk.

Falls are theleading cause of injury and injury death for people over the age of 65 and were responsible for nearly 3 million emergency room visits for older adults in 2021, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control.

No matter your age, it’s important to take falls seriously, emergency room physician Dr. Joe Whittington told HuffPost.

“Whether it’s a young person who brushes off a fall or someone older who thinks it’s just a part of aging, it’s important to understand that falls can lead to complications like infections or long-term disability,” said Whittington, who runs the Dr. Joe MD TikTok account. “Prevention is key. Keeping up with regular physical activity, making environmental adjustments and knowing what to do after a fall can significantly reduce risks.”

We asked Whittington and other ER physicians what they’d advise people to do after a fall, including tips to help prevent this type of incident. Here’s what we learned:

First, do a full-body check for injuries.

Before you even attempt to get up, do a full-body check for pain, “particularly in the head, neck, or spine, as well as possible fractures or dislocations,” Whittington said.

You should also look out for abrasions, significant swelling, severe pain or the inability to move any part of your body, ER physician Dr. Jordan Wagner told HuffPost.

“This step is crucial to avoid worsening a potential fracture, dislocation, or internal injury by moving too quickly,” said Wagner, also known as “Doctor ER” on YouTube. “If you notice any sharp pain or have difficulty moving, stay there and call for emergency help if a phone is nearby.”

Move slowly.

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