As winter temperatures continue to drop, the risk of falls among elderly individuals has risen significantly due to decreased mobility and joint stiffness. Falls have become one of the leading causes of fractures involving the wrist, hip, and other joints in older adults, posing serious threats to both physical and mental health as well as family well-being. Recently, a fall incident involving an elderly person living alone occurred in Fengtai District. Thanks to timely emergency intervention, the situation was brought under control. Emergency medical experts have since issued fall-prevention warnings and shared professional safety guidance.

Elderly Person Living Alone Falls Beside Bed and Emergency Team Responds Promptly

At approximately 10:00 a.m. on a recent day, an 89-year-old elderly resident living alone in a Fengtai community accidentally fell beside the bed at home. When discovered by family members, the patient was conscious but had contusions to the face, left knee, and right shoulder. The patient was known to have a 20-year history of hypertension and had undergone right hip replacement surgery nine months earlier, placing him in a high-risk category for falls.

Following the incident, family members immediately called the 120 emergency hotline. The ambulance team from the Changxindian Emergency Station of the Fengtai Sub-center of Beijing 120 arrived swiftly at the scene. Emergency physician He Feng conducted an on-site assessment, measured the patient’s blood pressure, and determined that a possible injury to the right shoulder joint existed. After applying professional immobilization, the patient was urgently transferred to hospital for further evaluation and treatment, successfully averting a more serious outcome.

Triple-Layered Prevention Builds a Safety Barrier for Hidden Risks in High-Risk Areas

According to Dr. He Feng, winter falls among elderly individuals most commonly occur in high-risk areas such as bathrooms, toilets, bedside areas, and staircases. The combination of environmental hazards and age-related mobility limitations significantly increases the likelihood of accidents. In response, he highlighted three key preventive measures tailored to different scenarios:

Environmental optimization is essential. Anti-slip mats should be placed at bathroom and toilet entrances, and smooth surfaces such as marble floors must be kept dry at all times. Bathrooms are encouraged to install seated shower facilities to prevent falls caused by fatigue or slippery floors while standing. Bedside guardrails can be installed to provide support when getting in and out of bed, reducing the risk of falling or rolling off the bed.

Caregiver support plays a critical role. For elderly individuals with limited mobility, chronic illnesses, or a history of falls, family members should provide close supervision and assistance, particularly during key activities such as getting out of bed, using the toilet, and bathing. Assistive devices such as walkers should be used when necessary.

Mobility and travel management should not be overlooked. Elderly individuals are advised to minimize visits to crowded places and avoid going outdoors during rainy, snowy, or icy conditions. When outings are unavoidable, they should wear anti-slip shoes, hats, and gloves, preferably be accompanied by family members, and steer clear of icy or uneven surfaces.

Nine Expert Recommendations to Reduce Fall Risks Scientifically

Based on extensive pre-hospital emergency experience, the Fengtai emergency medical team has summarized nine practical recommendations to help elderly individuals safely navigate the winter season:1. Elderly individuals with limited mobility, frailty, or impaired vision should be accompanied and assisted by family members during daily activities.2. When getting out of bed, follow the “three-step slow-rise method,” especially after taking antihypertensive or sleep medications—sit quietly for at least 30 seconds before standing.3. Promptly remove water spills and clutter from floors to keep walking surfaces dry and unobstructed.4. Arrange furniture neatly and avoid placing objects in walkways to ensure barrier-free movement.5. For elderly individuals who are restless or have impaired consciousness, install bedside guardrails and turn on night lights during nighttime hours.6. Wear properly fitting clothing and anti-slip footwear; use non-slip slippers when bathing, and avoid wearing slippers or high-heeled shoes outdoors.7. Keep frequently used items within easy reach to avoid climbing, stretching, or bending down to retrieve objects.8. Ensure adequate indoor lighting, and install motion-sensor lights in stairwells, corridors, and other shared spaces.9. Install grab bars and emergency call buttons in toilets and bathrooms to facilitate timely assistance during emergencies.

Beijing 120 reminds the public that regardless of whether visible injuries are present, elderly individuals should not be moved after a fall. Call the 120 emergency hotline immediately. Professional emergency responders will conduct a comprehensive assessment to determine whether fractures, internal injuries, or other complications are present, preventing deterioration caused by delayed treatment. Protecting elderly safety during winter requires coordinated efforts from families, communities, and medical institutions to jointly build a robust fall-prevention safety net.