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The hidden causes of falls: Do you know what unexpected factors can cause people to fall?
A fall is a loss of stability by a person or animal, often resulting in falling to a low position, usually the ground. According to reports, falls are the second leading cause of accidental death worldwide and a major factor in personal injury, especially for the elderly. According to the survey, falls among the elderly can be reduced through appropriate preventive measures, making such accidents a certain type of preventable injury.
"In 2015, there were approximately 226 million major accidental falls worldwide, resulting in 527,000 deaths."
Causes and risk factors of falls
Accident
For healthy adults, the most common causes of falls are accidents. These accidents can occur from slipping on slippery surfaces or stairs, wearing improper shoes, dark environments, uneven floors, or lack of exercise. Studies show that women are more likely to fall than men in all age groups.
Age
Older people, especially those with dementia, are at much higher risk of falling than younger people. Older adults are vulnerable to falls due to accidents, gait instability, balance disorders, visual, sensory, motor and cognitive impairments, and the effects of drugs and alcohol.
Diseases
Stroke patients are at increased risk of falls due to uneven gait, low muscle tone, and medication side effects; Parkinson's disease patients are injured due to loss of motor control, neurological and sensory impairments, etc. These disorders all have serious effects on balance and mobility.
Workplace
In occupational settings, falls are often referred to as slips, trips and falls (STFs). According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, potential fall hazards include liquids, ice and snow on walking surfaces, loose carpeting, boxes and containers, and poor lighting.
"In some professions, such as stunt performers and skateboarders, falling and learning how to land safely is part of the job."
Precautions
Long-term physical activity appears to reduce falls in older adults. In hospitals, the incidence of falls can be significantly reduced through several interventions. Installing proper flooring, improving lighting, and improving the work environment are all important preventive measures.
Fall survival and injury severity
The severity of injuries sustained in a fall increases with the height of the fall and also depends on the characteristics of the body and the surface. Landing on a soft surface increases your chances of survival, and there are countless examples of people surviving after jumping out of planes during World War II.
"There are numerous reports of aircrews surviving failed parachute jumps during the war, demonstrating the limits of surviving a fall."
Global epidemiology of falls
By 2013, the number of deaths from accidental falls reached 556,000, up from 341,000 in 1990. According to data, falls have become one of the most common causes of injuries in emergency rooms in the United States. Approximately 7.9 million people visit emergency rooms each year due to falls, which are particularly common among children.
ConclusionIn summary, the causes of falls and their risk factors are very diverse, ranging from accidents to age, disease and work environment, and each factor deserves our attention. How can we further protect ourselves and others from the risk of falls?
