What is the first step if a patient starts to fall?

What is the first step if a patient starts to fall?

• A. Stand still and call for help
• B. Attempt to catch the patient with both arms
• C. Move to the side quickly to avoid the fall
• D. Assume a wide base of support with one foot in front of the other

Answer: (D)

When a patient begins to fall, the priority is to protect both yourself and the patient by establishing a stable base of support. The first step is to assume a wide base of support with one foot in front of the other. This stance lowers your center of gravity and increases balance, giving you better control to respond as the fall occurs. From here you can bend your knees and keep your back neutral, ready to guide the patient down gently or pivot to move with the direction of the fall. Reaching out with both arms to catch the patient is risky because it can pull you off balance and cause injuries to either or both of you. Simply standing still won’t provide the stability you need, and moving to the side before you have a solid base can compromise safety. Establish that wide stance first, then proceed with controlled actions and call for help if needed.

When a patient begins to fall, the priority is to protect both yourself and the patient by establishing a stable base of support. The first step is to assume a wide base of support with one foot in front of the other. This stance lowers your center of gravity and increases balance, giving you better control to respond as the fall occurs. From here you can bend your knees and keep your back neutral, ready to guide the patient down gently or pivot to move with the direction of the fall. Reaching out with both arms to catch the patient is risky because it can pull you off balance and cause injuries to either or both of you. Simply standing still won’t provide the stability you need, and moving to the side before you have a solid base can compromise safety. Establish that wide stance first, then proceed with controlled actions and call for help if needed.