Ambulance service targets 'devastating' falls

Elderly people falling accounts for a tenth of 999 calls

Elderly people suffering falls can have a "devastating effect" on their lives, an ambulance trust has said.

South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SCAS) is launching a month-long campaign to raise awareness of falls and frailty,

The trust said it received about 3,000 calls for falls each month.

NHS falls specialist Maddie Jones said "preventative and educational strategies" were aimed at reducing future falls and serious injuries.

Falls specialists are dispatched to help patients in their own homes

Across the UK each year, ambulance services respond to approximately 700,000 emergency calls related to falls among patients aged 65 and over, accounting for about 10% of all 999 calls.

Falls among this age group are estimated to cost the NHS more than £2.3bn annually, with most expenditure related to hip fractures.

SCAS said many falls were caused by a combination of factors including muscle weakness, poor eyesight and poor balance, along with hazards such as slippery floors or unsecured rugs.

"Beyond the financial costs, falls can have a devastating effect on the lives of older individuals, leading to serious injuries, loss of independence and a decreased quality of life," it said.

"Moreover, the psychological impact, including the fear of falling again, can result in reduced physical activity and social isolation."

A dedicated vehicle, known as the frailty car, is crewed by a specialist paramedic from SCAS and frailty specialist clinicians.

The specialists are able to treat patients' underlying conditions as well as assess their circumstances and provide appropriate equipment so patients can remain safely at home.

Maddie Jones, falls car lead at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, said: "The frailty practitioners bring a wealth of frailty expertise from therapy and nursing backgrounds.

"The ability to access such clinical expertise means a 'hospital at home' treatment plan can be immediately created on scene."

The month-long campaign is also aimed at raising awareness of the work of SCAS volunteer community first responders in dealing with non-injury fall call outs to alleviate pressure on emergency ambulances.

It will also promote ways for the public to identify and remove potential trip hazards for vulnerable people at home and work.

SCAS covers emergencies in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire and Oxfordshire.