Emergency Medical Services as a Partner in Fall Prevention—Breaking the Fall - Report - MDSpire
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Collaborative Role of Emergency Medical Services in Preventing Falls Among Older Adults

  • By

  • Ari B. Friedman

  • Carmen E. Quatman

  • Elizabeth M. Goldberg

  • September 9, 2026

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Collaborative Role of Emergency Medical Services in Preventing Falls Among Older Adults

Background

Falls are a significant health threat to older adults, with rising incidence rates attributed to various factors including medications and environmental hazards. Effective interventions can reduce fall risk, yet implementation remains low. Understanding the role of EMS in fall prevention could enhance strategies to mitigate this risk.

Data Highlights

No numerical data available in the source material.

Key Findings

  • One in three older adults with ambulance-transported ED visits for ground-level falls had prior EMS contacts.
  • One in ten ground-level falls followed three or more EMS visits in the preceding year.
  • Increased EMS visits were associated with higher use of medications listed in the AGS Beers Criteria.
  • The study's dataset linked EMS information with hospital records, allowing for unique insights into patient health trajectories.
  • Limitations include exclusion of patients who self-presented to EDs, potentially skewing the sample.
  • International examples show EMS involvement in community fall prevention efforts, including home assessments and structural modifications.

Clinical Implications

EMS encounters may serve as critical touchpoints for identifying older adults at risk of falls.

Conclusion

The study highlights the potential of EMS as a proactive partner in fall prevention among older adults.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Shaw et al, Journal of General Internal Medicine, Year -- Collaborative Role of Emergency Medical Services in Preventing Falls Among Older Adults
  2. the asco post — Conversations Between Physicians and Older Patients About Physical Activity May Reduce Falls During Cancer Treatment
  3. Annals of Family Medicine — Fall-Related Emergency Department Visits Among Adults With and Without Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities or Cerebral Palsy
  4. Frontiers in Medicine — Rapid clinical identification of vulnerable older adults in acute and emergency care: narrative review of short geriatric screening tools
  5. Final Recommendation Statement: Interventions to Prevent Falls in Older Adults
  6. Community falls prevention for people who call an emergency ambulance after a fall: randomised controlled trial
  7. Exercise for preventing falls in older people living in the community | Cochrane

Original Source(s)

Emergency Medical Services as a Partner in Fall Prevention—Breaking the Fall

  • by Ari B. Friedman, Carmen E. Quatman, Elizabeth M. Goldberg

  • September 9, 2026

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