My parent fell: do they need the ER?
Falls are a leading cause of injury in older adults. Head injuries and hip injuries need attention, especially in people who take blood thinners.
🔴 Go to the ER or call 911 if there is
- Hit their head while taking a blood thinner
- Cannot stand or put weight on a leg
- A leg that looks shorter or turned outward
- Confusion, vomiting, or a bad headache after the fall
- Passed out before or after the fall
🟠 Get care today if there is
- New pain or bruising that is getting worse
- Hit their head with no other symptoms
🟢 What helps at home
- Watch them closely for the next 24 hours
- Check the home for trip hazards
Learn more from MedlinePlus, the U.S. National Library of Medicine: A fall →. This guide is general information for adults and caregivers. It is not medical advice, it cannot cover every case, and it is not a substitute for a clinician who can examine the person. When in doubt, seek care. FreeDoc is not affiliated with or endorsed by the National Library of Medicine.