Fall From Height: What to Do After a Serious Fall | First Aid Guide Canada

Understanding the Emergency: What to Do if Someone Falls From a Height

A fall from a height—such as a window or staircase—can lead to serious injuries, breathing problems, or cardiac arrest. Knowing what to do if someone falls and becomes unresponsive is critical in the first moments after the incident.

First aid training teaches how to respond safely, protect the person from further harm, and support breathing and circulation until emergency services arrive.

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First Aid & Workplace Relevance in Winnipeg, Manitoba

Although this incident occurred in Ontario, similar emergencies can happen in care facilities, homes, and workplaces across Winnipeg and Manitoba.

First aid and CPR training is especially important for:

• Healthcare and care home staff
• Family caregivers
• Support workers and supervisors
• Anyone working in residential or assisted living environments

Across Winnipeg and Manitoba, having first aid certification and CPR training helps individuals respond effectively to falls—one of the most common emergencies involving older adults.

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Real-Life Scenario: Fall at Care Facility

A tragic incident occurred at a care facility on Blake Street when an 89-year-old man fell from a second-story window.

Emergency crews were called to the scene after the man was discovered on the ground below an open window. Paramedics arrived quickly and began CPR in an effort to revive him.

Despite their efforts, the man did not survive.

Reports indicated that he had recently been admitted to the facility after being discharged from the hospital and was experiencing significant discomfort. Authorities, including local police, stated that the fall was being treated as accidental while an investigation continued.

This incident highlights how quickly emergencies can occur in care environments—and how critical rapid response and monitoring can be for vulnerable individuals.

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Symptoms and Warning Signs After a Fall

After a serious fall, individuals may show:

• Unresponsiveness or unconsciousness
• Difficulty breathing or no breathing
• Visible injuries or inability to move
• Confusion or disorientation
• Pain in the chest, head, or limbs
• Signs of shock (pale skin, weakness, sweating)

These signs require immediate emergency attention.

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Causes and Risk Factors

Falls from height may be linked to:

• Reduced mobility or balance issues
• Pain or medical conditions affecting movement
• Environmental hazards (open windows, lack of barriers)
• Confusion or disorientation
• Lack of supervision in high-risk individuals

Awareness of these risks is key to prevention.

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First Aid Response: What Trained Individuals Learn to Do

In first aid training across Canada, responders are taught to:

• Ensure the scene is safe before approaching
• Call emergency services immediately
• Check responsiveness and breathing
• Begin CPR if the person is not breathing normally
• Avoid unnecessary movement if serious injury is suspected
• Monitor the person closely until help arrives

These are standard first aid practices taught in certified programs across Canada.

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Unique First Aid Insight: The “Do Not Rush to Move” Rule 💡

A critical but often overlooked principle in fall-related emergencies is:

“Don’t rush to move the person.”

• Falls from height may involve hidden spinal or internal injuries
• Moving the person unnecessarily can increase the risk of further harm
• First aid training emphasizes keeping the person still unless there is immediate danger

What makes this important:
In many real emergencies, well-meaning helpers try to reposition the person too quickly. Staying calm and minimizing movement can be just as important as active intervention.

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Prevention and Workplace / Care Facility Safety Considerations

Across Winnipeg and Manitoba, especially in care environments:

• Ensure windows and high-risk areas are secured
• Monitor individuals at risk of falls
• Provide safe mobility support
• Train staff in first aid and emergency response
• Promote awareness of fall prevention strategies

Prepared environments reduce the likelihood of serious incidents.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What should you do if someone falls from a height and is unresponsive?
Call emergency services immediately and check for breathing. If the person is not breathing normally, CPR may be required. First aid training teaches how to respond safely and monitor the person.

Should you move someone after a serious fall?
In most cases, movement should be minimized unless there is immediate danger. Keeping the person still helps reduce the risk of worsening injuries.

Why is CPR sometimes needed after a fall?
If the fall affects breathing or heart function, CPR helps maintain circulation and oxygen flow until emergency services arrive.

What are signs of serious injury after a fall?
Unresponsiveness, difficulty breathing, confusion, and inability to move are all warning signs that require urgent attention.

How can falls be prevented in care settings?
Prevention includes supervision, safe environments, and proper training. Awareness and preparation play a major role in reducing risks.

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Educational Note

This content is for general awareness and reflects commonly taught first aid practices in Canada. It is not a substitute for certified, hands-on CPR and first aid training.