Macular Disease

Planning For Help

If you fall:

  • Don’t panic
  • STAY CALM
  • Catch your breath and compose yourself after the shock
  • When you are ready, check your body

If you can get up:

If you are not badly injured – if you believe you have a broken bone – and can get up:

  • Find a sturdy piece of furniture, such as a chair, that can be used to help stand
  • From your position, slowly roll onto your side, and crawl or drag yourself to the chair
  • Then, from a kneeling position, put your arms up onto the seat of the chair and bring one knee forward. Put that foot on the floor
  • Push up with your arms and legs, and pivot your bottom around
  •  Sit down on the chair and rest before trying to move again
  • Assess your injuries and, if you need to, call for help

If you cannot get up:

  • Work to your prepared plan
  • Take your time to think through all the possibilities for attracting attention, getting help or moving
  • Consider the patterns that people in the local area live to and the activities that take place – what is the ideal time to call out to attract attention?
  • If your injury permits, slowly and carefully drag yourself to a phone or a place where you will be noticed
  • While you wait for assistance, try to stay warm and, if possible, gently move around to stop one part of your body getting too much pressure
  • Once you have received assistance, it is vital that you immediately seek professional medical help to treat any injuries