The Edmonds Fire Department was dispatched to 89 calls in and around Edmonds the week of March 3-9, which brings this year’s call volume to 965. Medical crews evaluated 68 patients; fire crews responded to 21 incidents.
Stay in step
This week, nearly 20 percent of all aid responses were to evaluate patients who had fallen. The youngest patient was 61 and the oldest was 99. All falls except one occurred in the home. Some patients just needed help getting up; most, unfortunately, suffered some type of distress, including nose, hip, knee and shin injuries.
One woman wearing a personal medic alert device received immediate help; another who was home alone likely spent the night on the floor.
The four most important things you can do to help prevent falls – particularly for the older adult – are: begin a regular exercise program, make your home safer, ask your health care provider to review your medications and have your vision checked.
Available now, Edmonds Fire Department’s Stay in Step! is a fall-prevention brochure aimed at keeping adults age 62 and older on their feet.
Please call EFD at 425-771-0215 for a free copy of Stay in Step! or visit www.edmondsfire.org or www.cdc.gov to learn what you can do to prevent falls.
Fall injuries can affect your quality of life by limiting your mobility, freedom and independent living.
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