Falls are occurring each day

Falls are a leading cause of injury and death in Wisconsin, according to a new report. The report, EMS and Falls in Wisconsin, shows that in 2022, emergency medical services (EMS) providers responded to over 130,000 falls across the state, the top injury they responded to.

“This data provides unique insight into where and why falls are occurring, and sheds light on where resources are needed most,” said state health officer Paula Tran. “Today, the number of falls Wisconsin EMS providers respond to, continues to increase at an accelerated pace. As Wisconsin’s population ages, preventing falls needs to be prioritized to support the health and independence of Wisconsinites statewide, and to reduce the impact of falls on Wisconsin’s EMS and healthcare systems.”

The number of falls EMS responds to are increasing by nearly 10,000 a year, statewide, with an average increase of 7.4 percent a year, since 2019.

Private residences are the most common place that EMS responds to falls or fall-related injuries. Over four years, falls in private residences increased by about 5,000 falls a year, an average increase of 7.3 percent each year.

While not all falls cause fatal injuries, they still impact health and wellbeing in other ways, causing long-term health conditions stemming from injuries, or loss of confidence and independence for those who experience a fall.

“The good news is that there are steps people can take to reduce their risk of a fall,” said Kris Krasnowski, executive director of the Wisconsin Institute for Healthy Aging (WIHA), a statewide non-profit that convenes Wisconsin’s falls prevention coalition. “Our new Falls Free Wisconsin initiative has been designed to give older adults, their families and caregivers the resources they need to assess their risk of a fall, and be safer at home and in the community.”

Vision problems, medications, poor lighting, loss of balance and strength, even some kinds of footwear, are all factors that can lead to a fall. Falls Free Wisconsin has information, tools and resources to help people make changes that address these challenges.

Because, while falls may be common as people age, there are things everyone can do to avoid them, which includes eliminating trip hazards, such as cluttered walkways and throw rugs. installing grab bars to steady oneself in the bathroom; and exercises to improve balance and strength.

Check with a pharmacist or physician, to learn how medications can affect balance and strength.

In addition to the Falls Free Wisconsin initiative (fallsfreewi.org), the WIHA’s Stepping On program (wihealthyaging. org) provides information for people who want to reduce their falls risk. Wisconsin’s network of Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) can support older adults in connecting with services and resources, to encourage healthy aging (dhs. wisconsin.gov).