What To Do If Someone Falls: Staying Safe on the Floor
- Ben Proctor
- 8 hours ago
- 4 min read
Falls are very common as we get older. Around 1 in 3 adults over 65 will fall each year, and sometimes people cannot get up straight away.
While preventing falls is important, it is equally important to know what to do if a fall happens.
One of the biggest risks after a fall is something called a “long lie”, which means being unable to get up from the floor for a long period of time. Learning how to manage a fall safely can reduce this risk and help people remain independent.
First: Check for Injuries
Before trying to get up, take a few moments to assess yourself.
Do not attempt to get up immediately.
Check for:
Severe pain anywhere
Limbs that look out of position
Bleeding
Head injury
Pins and needles or numbness
Severe back or neck pain
Feeling faint or unwell
If any of these symptoms are present, do not try to stand up.
Call 999 or activate a falls alarm if you have one.
If someone else is present, they should not attempt to lift you if there are any concerns about injury.
Learning How to Get Up Safely
For people who fall regularly, learning how to get up safely from the floor can be extremely helpful.
A commonly recommended method is backward chaining, which teaches a step-by-step way of moving from the floor to standing using furniture for support.
Physiotherapists often teach this method because it allows people to:
Move in stages
Rest if needed
Use stable furniture
Reduce strain and injury risk
The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy has an excellent guide explaining this technique:
Practising this before a fall happens is extremely important.
Why Avoiding a “Long Lie” Matters
A long lie is when someone remains on the floor for more than an hour after a fall.
This can be very dangerous.
Research shows that around 20% of falls in older adults lead to a long lie.
Remaining on the floor for long periods can lead to serious complications including:
Pressure sores
Dehydration
Hypothermia
Pneumonia
Muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis)
Kidney failure
Delirium
Increased risk of death
Studies have also found that people who lie on the floor for more than an hour after a fall have a significantly higher risk of health decline and mortality in the following months.
Because of this, having a plan in place before a fall occurs is extremely important.
Falls Pendants and Emergency Alarms
A falls pendant alarm is one of the most important safety tools for people who live alone or fall regularly.
These devices allow you to:
Press a button to call for help
Speak to a monitoring centre
Alert family members
Many newer devices also include automatic fall detection, which can trigger an alert even if you cannot press the button.
Important tips:
Always wear the pendant
Test it regularly
Keep the monitoring contacts updated
Using Smart Technology for Emergencies
Devices like Amazon Echo (Alexa) can also help in an emergency.
You can set it up so that you can call someone using your voice.
Example setup:
Open the Alexa app
Add emergency contacts
Enable calling or “Alexa Emergency Assist”
Practise saying
“Alexa, call my daughter”
“Alexa, call for help”
This can be very useful if you cannot reach a phone.
Preparing the Home in Case a Fall Happens
For people who fall regularly, it can be helpful to plan ahead.
Some simple preparations include:
Keep items within reach at floor level
Consider keeping:
A small blanket
A bottle of water
A snack
If someone falls but is not injured, they may be able to keep warm and hydrated while waiting for help.
Stay warm
If you fall and cannot get up:
Cover yourself with a blanket or clothing
Place something soft under your head
Move your arms and legs occasionally to keep circulation going
Keep a phone nearby
Keeping a mobile phone in a pocket or wearable pouch can help ensure you can call for help.
Equipment That Can Help Lift Someone Safely
For people who fall frequently, specialist lifting equipment can help carers assist safely.
Examples include:
Raizer II Lifting Chair
A portable lifting chair placed around the person on the floor that slowly lifts them into a seated position.
More information:https://raizer.com
ELK Emergency Lifting Cushion
An inflatable cushion that lifts someone from the floor using air pressure.
More information:https://mangarhealth.com
Camel Lifting Cushion
A larger lifting cushion designed for heavier individuals.
More information:https://mangarhealth.com
Other Helpful Safety Strategies
If someone falls regularly, the following can also help reduce risk:
Regular exercise
Strength and balance training can significantly reduce falls.
Good lighting
Particularly at night.
Walking aids
When recommended by a professional.
Regular medication reviews
Some medications increase falls risk.
Vision checks
Poor vision is a major contributor to falls.
Final Thoughts
Falls can happen to anyone, but being prepared makes a huge difference.
The key priorities are:
Check for injuries before moving
Learn how to get up safely
Avoid long periods on the floor
Use alarms or technology to call for help
Have a plan in place before a fall happens
If someone is experiencing frequent falls, a physiotherapy or falls assessment can help identify the causes and reduce risk.
With the right knowledge, equipment and support, people can stay safer and more confident at home.
About Physio@Home
If you're finding recovery from injury, surgery, illness, or a fall more challenging than expected, professional support in the comfort of your own home can make all the difference. At Physio At Home, we specialise in expert home visit physiotherapy across Mid Cornwall — including Truro, Falmouth, Penryn, Helston, Perranporth, Feock, St Agnes, and surrounding areas. Our HCPC-registered and experienced physiotherapists provide personalised assessments, tailored rehabilitation plans, mobility and balance training, and practical advice to help you regain strength, confidence, and independence without the hassle of travelling to a clinic. Ready to move better and feel better right where you live? Visit https://www.physioathome.uk/
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