What to Do if You Fall

If you CAN Get Up

Follow these five steps for getting up:

  • Stay calm and assess your situation.
  • Turn onto your side, bend the leg that is on top and lift yourself onto your elbows or hands.
  • Crawl on your hands and knees toward a chair or other sturdy piece of furniture, then kneel while placing both hands on the stairs or furniture.
  • Place your stronger leg in front, holding on to the furniture for support.
  • Stand up and, carefully, turn and sit down.

For further information on avoiding falls and step by step instructions on how to get up from a fall, go to:

If you CANNOT Get Up

If you think you are injured, or you are feeling dizzy, do not try to get up.

Instead, try to get help and do the following:

  • Stay calm and assess your situation.
  • If you have an emergency call device or telephone at hand, use it.
  • If you don't, call out for help if you think you can be heard or try to slide or crawl towards a telephone or a place where you will be heard.
  • Make noise with a cane or any object at hand to attract attention.
  • Wait for help in the most comfortable position for you.
  • If you can, use anything that is accessible to help you stay comfortable and warm.
  • Try to move your joints to ease circulation and prevent stiffness.

For further information on what to do if you fall or see someone else fall, go to:

Produced by Dr. Vicky Scott and the BC Fall and Injury Prevention Coalition