NORFOLK, Va. — Norfolk Fire-Rescue’s new Community Response Team has formed a fall prevention partnership with Sentara Norfolk General Hospital’s trauma team.
The fall prevention partnership is all about preventing injuries that come from falling. They'll do this by reducing risks and providing education and resources to help make homes safer. Team members have been trained to identify fall risks and suggest ways to mitigate them.
EMS Battalion Chief Fred Paquet says his department receives roughly 15 calls a day for people who have fallen, accounting for nearly 20% of all trauma patients at Norfolk General. Many of them are elderly and can suffer a myriad of issues from bumps and bruises to fractures and dislocations.
"The common injuries are hip fractures or femur fractures that usually will begin a downward spiral of health. They're very difficult to recover from," Paquet said.
Paquet says the program will connect participants with Norfolk Cares to assess problem areas in their homes that can cause these injuries.
“Common problems are things as simple as area rugs not anchored to the floor, that slip easily as people move across them. Maybe people need a cane, or maybe they need a walker that we can connect them to the city services or the community -- services that can provide those pieces of equipment.” Paquet said.
“We are excited to get this program underway,” Paquet continued. “Our goal is to have fewer fall patients to transport to the hospital, and that’s good for everybody.” Paquet hopes to lower the current number of falls in 2025 and halve the number of falls in the next three years.
If you or someone you know may want to take part in this program, contact Norfolk Cares at 757-664-6510 or visit the MyNorfolk online portal at www.mynorfolk.org.