What to do after a fall depends on the intensity, location, altitude, and severity of the fall.
However, first aid after a fall includes:
First aid for mild fall
First aid for a light fall with less than 2 meters, such as when riding a bicycle, are:
- Wash affected area with soap and water or saline;
- Apply an antiseptic solution such as Curativ or Povidine if there is an open wound;
- Cover the area with a clean or sterile dressing.
First aid for severe fall
First aid for serious falls of more than 2 meters, such as when riding a motorcycle or falling off the stairs, are:
- Call an ambulance immediately, calling number 192;
- Observe if the victim is awake and respond when called. If you are unconscious, check your breathing and if you are not breathing do cardiac massage until medical help is available. Here's how to do massage in: How to do cardiac massage;
- Avoid moving the victim if he can not get up after falling;
In case of fracture: immobilize the injured limb in the position in which it is with boards, bandages or sheets, for example; Learn more at: First aid in exposed fracture.
In case of bleeding: pressure the bleeding site with a clean cloth for at least 10 minutes or until medical aid arrives. See more in: First aid for bleeding.
See the next video what to do when you hit your head during the fall:
The severity of the fall depends on the height and the way the victim fell, however, some warning symptoms are loss of consciousness for more than 2 minutes, constant vomiting, severe headache and inability to move any part of the body, for example .
Typically, these symptoms can be a sign of serious problems such as head trauma or internal bleeding, and it is therefore recommended to take the victim to the emergency room if possible or call an ambulance.