You’ve had a slip and fall?
In the United States, more than 3 million people are treated in the emergency room after slip and fall accidents. Knowing what to do after a fall can mean a faster recovery.
For those looking to ensure a good recovery, here are the most important things you need to do after a slip and fall accident.
Contact a Medical Professional
When considering what to do after a slip and fall accident, contacting a medical professional should be at the top of the list.
In the event of an injury of the bones, ligaments, joints, tendons, or muscles you should consider contacting an orthopedic surgeon. Consulting with a professional is key in the slip and fall recovery process.
It’s important to see a medical professional so your injuries are properly documented so you can learn the treatment path best for you.
Should you choose to seek compensation for your injuries, these medical records can also serve to help with your case.
Inspect the Scene
Once your injuries have been treated, inspect the scene where the injury occurred. If possible, try to take steps to reduce the slip and fall from happening in the future.
Remember to report the accident to the manager, owner, or landlord if applicable. Request a copy of the written report for your records.
Rest, Ice, Compress, and Elevate (R.I.C.E)
If you don’t require professional medical assistance, you should rest, ice, compress, and elevate your injury. This can be a great choice if you’ve had a strain or sprain, such as an injured ankle.
The first step is to rest your injury. As soon as you’re hurt, stop the activity that caused the injury and rest as much as possible for at least two days. This will help to:
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Reduce swelling
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Ease pain
- Prevent further bruising
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Speed up healing
Next you should consider icing your injury. Ice will continue to reduce swelling and pain. Remember to place a towel in between the ice and your skin to prevent frostbite.
Leave the ice on for fifteen to twenty minutes and continue to do so every two to three hours for the first one to two days after the injury.
Don’t forget to compress your injury to help prevent swelling. Try to use an elastic medical bandage. It should be secured snugly. Do not wrap it too tightly or you may interrupt the natural blood flow.
If you notice any of the signs below, loosen the bandage:
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Numbness
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Tingly
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Skin turns cold
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Skin turns blue
If these symptoms do not go away, contact a medical professional immediately.
Finally, remember to elevate the injury above the level of your heart. This will help reduce symptoms such as:
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Throbbing
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Swelling
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Pain
It may be helpful to take an anti-inflammatory in addition to the R.I.C.E routine. If symptoms persist or worsen after two days of the treatment, contact your medical professional.
Take Care of Your Mental Health
A slip and fall is both a physical, mental, and emotional experience. Practice mindfulness and try to focus on the present. Take a deep breath and try to be fully aware of your surroundings.
Try manageable exercises like listening to music or guided meditations to reduce anxiety after the fall. Give your day variety with lots of different activities. If you have reduced mobility due to your injury, consider activities such as:
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Coloring books
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Suduku
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Watching movies
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Reading a book
Don’t forget to reach out to your friends and family for support. During this difficult time, you are not alone. Surround yourself with a strong support system.
Remember to reach out to a mental health professional if you need additional support.
Eat Foods That Reduce Inflammation and Swelling
There are many foods that can help ease your pain and reduce the inflammation and swelling at your injury site. Try to eat foods rich in omega-9 fatty acid such as:
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Olive oil
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Avocado
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Grape seeds
Consider adding extra virgin olive oil when you cook your meals or try adding some to your salad. Other great foods to try include:
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Fish
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Nuts
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Fruits
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Garlic
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Chocolate
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Tea
Try fish such as bass, cod, halibut, tuna, and salmon, which are high in omega-3 fatty acids and help reduce inflammation. Choose fruits that are high in antioxidants like blueberries, strawberries, and plums.
Check out herbs like chili pepper and curcumin to fight inflammation even more.
Avoid foods like packaged meats, chips, and cookies. These foods are high in salts, sugars, and unhealthy fats and are linked to inflammation.
Try to limit your alcohol intake as well, especially if your health care professional prescribes you certain medications.
Consider Finding a Personal Injury Lawyer
If you’ve been injured in the workplace or as the result of someone else’s negligence, consider finding an injury lawyer. An injury lawyer will provide you legal assistance and help you get financial compensation.
This money can help you to pay for your medical treatments and make up for lost wages in the workplace.
Should the incident be brought to court, a slip and fall injury lawyer can also help you win your case.
Slip and Fall
Quick action can make a big difference after having a tumble. Know what to do after a slip and fall accident to ensure you have a good recovery. Remember to call emergency services in the event of an urgent situation.
You’ve got this!
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