While in the hospital or clinic setting, you may come across a patient, visitor or employee who falls. Employees need to know how to respond to these types of situations. For example:

• Avoid catching the patient and protect their head if you can.
• Call for help immediately.
• After a fall, trained personnel should assess the patient before moving.
• Have a plan to safely move the patient to avoid causing injury to the patient and staff. Please refer to your local policy.
• VHA Algorithm 8 has details on appropriate methods to move or assist patients who have fallen.