FallsAustralia
Traffic rules
Australia
1. Falls
Falls can cause injuries ranging from minor bruises and cuts to fractures, head injuries or spinal trauma. A person may fall after a collision, while getting out of a vehicle, from a bicycle or motorcycle, or because of slippery conditions. After a serious fall, avoid unnecessary movement if a head, neck or back injury is possible, unless the person is in immediate danger. Check the person’s condition, call emergency services when necessary and provide first aid within your abilities.
Wikimedia.org • Jamie Campbell • CC BY
What should you do after someone has a serious fall?
Make sure the area is safe, check the person’s condition and call emergency services when a serious injury is possible. Avoid unnecessary movement if a head, neck or back injury is suspected.
🔗 nhs.uk • NHS, falls and immediate-help criteria
🔗 nhs.uk • NHS, head injury and concussion
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Annex 7, initial scene safety; national guidance example
Should you help someone stand up immediately after a fall?
Not always. If the person has severe pain, cannot move normally, has hit their head or may have a neck, back or other serious injury, it is safer to keep them still and seek professional help.
🔗 nhs.uk • NHS, falls and immediate-help criteria
🔗 nhs.uk • NHS, head injury and concussion
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Annex 7, initial scene safety; national guidance example
When should emergency services be called after a fall?
Call the local emergency service for a possible head, back, neck or hip injury, inability to get up safely after a serious fall, unconsciousness, breathing difficulty or severe bleeding. For other pain, injury or uncertainty, seek prompt medical advice. Do not force an injured person to stand.
🔗 nhs.uk • NHS, falls and immediate-help criteria
🔗 nhs.uk • NHS, head injury and concussion
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Annex 7, initial scene safety; national guidance example
