Collaborative Role of Emergency Medical Services in Preventing Falls Among Older Adults
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By
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Ari B. Friedman
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Carmen E. Quatman
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Elizabeth M. Goldberg
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September 9, 2026
Clinical Scorecard: Collaborative Role of Emergency Medical Services in Preventing Falls Among Older Adults
At a Glance
| Category | Detail |
|---|
| Condition | Falls among older adults |
| Key Mechanisms | Emergency medical services (EMS) interactions can identify individuals at risk for falls and provide intervention opportunities. |
| Target Population | Older adults, particularly those with prior EMS encounters. |
| Care Setting | Prehospital and emergency care settings. |
Key Highlights
- 1 in 3 older adults with ambulance-transported ED visits for ground-level falls had prior EMS contact.
- 1 in 10 ground-level falls resulting in activity limitations followed 3 or more EMS visits in the previous year.
- Higher EMS visit frequency correlates with increased use of medications listed in the AGS Beers Criteria.
- International examples show EMS personnel can effectively contribute to community fall prevention efforts.
- The study highlights the need for further research on EMS's role in fall prevention.
Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
- Identify individuals at risk for falls through EMS encounters.
Management
- Implement home fall risk assessments and interventions by EMS personnel.
Monitoring & Follow-up
- Track EMS visit frequency and associated fall risk factors.
Risks
- Consider the limitations of data quality and potential biases in EMS patient capture systems.
Patient & Prescribing Data
Older adults with a history of falls or EMS encounters.
Interventions should be tailored based on individual circumstances and preferences.
Clinical Best Practices
- Incorporate EMS personnel in community fall prevention strategies.
- Conduct longitudinal studies to assess the impact of EMS interventions on fall risk.
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