EMS A to Z: Lift Assist Calls

Show Notes:

From your hosts, Dr. Josh Gaither, Dr. Amber Rice, and Dr. Rachel Munn

Calls for “lift assistance” are common, particularly in the elderly, obese, and/or comorbid populations.

Evaluating these patients for a medical cause of their fall or a traumatic injury secondary to the fall is extremely important.

10% of elderly fall patients will have a clinically significant injury such as a fracture or TBI or clinically significant illness requiring admission.

1% of these patients will die within 2 weeks.

So, the next time you’re dispatched for a “lift assist,” consider the possible causes of a fall or injuries from a fall like:

Syncope, arrhythmia, hypotension, hypoglycemia, etc.

Inadequate home support / need for assistance

Traumatic injuries such as a fracture / dislocation / TBI / skin tear

Resources for elderly fall patients:

The  Pima Council on Aging provides an on-line guide to resourcesfor older adults and a Helpline at (520) 790-7262. They have a "Falls Free" site with resources to help. 

The Arizona Falls Prevention Coalition is designed to provide information, advice, helpful hints and tips to help prevent falls and fall injuries by the elderly in Arizona; sponsored by the AZDHS.