Falls can be a serious problem in the hospital. They may be
caused by: Poor lighting, slippery floors, and equipment in
rooms and hallways that gets in the way Being weak from illness
or surgery and being in new surroundings Hospital staff often do
not see patients fall. But falls require attention right away to
lessen the risk of injury. When the Patient Falls If you are
with a patient when they begin to fall: Use your body to break
their fall. Protect your own back by keeping your feet wide
apart and your knees bent. Make sure the patient’s head does not
hit the floor or any furniture. After the Fall Stay with the
patient and call for help. Check the patient’s breathing, pulse,
and blood pressure. If the patient is unconscious, not
breathing, or does not have a pulse, call a hospital emergency
code. Check for injury, such as cuts, scrapes, bruises, and
broken bones. If you were not there when the patient fell, ask
the patient or someone who saw the fall what happened. If the
patient is confused, shaking, or