If you a carer and you find that the service user is on the floor what do you do?

Answer 1

First, let's define the terms so all readers understand. A "carer" is any family member or professional who gives physical care to an ill, disabled, or elderly person. A "service user" is more commonly known as "a patient" or "a resident" if living in a facility; "service user" is now the politically correct term in many facilities.

When a worker finds a patient on the floor and did not witness what happened, the first step is to assess. The first assessment is A-B-C's... Airway, Breathing, Circulation... or in other words: is the person breathing and is the heart working? Do a "log roll" while keeping the neck stable.

Next, is there bleeding? If profuse, control the bleeding.

Then, is the person conscious? If so, can they answer basic questions, like "Do you hurt anywhere?" If the fall was caused by a stroke, or if the patient is normally confused, you cannot rely on the "history" they give of the incident. So even though you might ask questions, you will constantly be assessing the person at the same time.

Are there obvious injuries? Example, does a leg, arm, hand, foot look like it is broken? Does movement cause pain?

Whether you attempt to move / assist / lift the person will strongly depend on your assessment. If there are major injuries, it may be wisest to "log roll" onto one side and put a blanket under, rather than moving the person before the ambulance arrives.

If your assessment shows no immediate injuries, you then need to know or assess how much help you need to get the patient up. Never attempt a lift alone unless you are 110% sure no further injury will occur to the patient-- or to you. Get extra help.

Once back in bed, the patient should be frequently assessed. A hit to the head could cause a brain bleed, as just one example. The person's level of consciousness, pain, movements should be re-assessed throughout the shift.

As well, follow the facility's protocols and policies about notifying the nurse or Administrator. If at home, notify the family member and the company that employs you.