MUSC, SC trauma centers join Governor Haley to proclaim Falls Prevention Awareness Day Sept. 23
September 23, 2015
CHARLESTON, SC –In an effort to increase awareness and decrease trauma injuries, Governor Nikki Haley proclaims September 23, 2015, Falls Prevention Awareness Day. And, to support and strengthen this proclamation, the Trauma Association of South Carolina (TASC) and the MUSC Health Level 1 Trauma Center are joining together to take proactive steps to increase awareness and prevent falls among seniors.
“I commend the Trauma Association of South Carolina for collaborating with key partners across the state to provide falls prevention education and resources to our community dwelling older adults,” said South Carolina Congressman James E. Clyburn. “South Carolina should continue to strive to improve the availability of evidence-based programs such as Senior Lifestyles & Falls Prevention, Better Choices Better Health, and Arthritis Foundation Exercise.”
Two out of every ten trauma admissions among people 65 and older are due to fall-related injuries. “Senior falls are one of the most frequent calls to 911,” said Bruce Crooks, MD, MUSC Health Trauma Center medical director. “In rural areas, EMS can receive up to 30 calls per week to assist fallen seniors. This ‘silent epidemic’ is best addressed through prevention and education.”
While falls have many contributing factors including age, gender, history of falling, prior health conditions, physical limitations, environment, medications, and alcohol use, falling is not a natural part of aging, and most falls can be prevented.
“We need to raise awareness of the many preventive measures that can be taken to keep our seniors safe,” said Alison Burns, RN, TASC president and director of trauma services at Grand Strand Medical Center. In 2013, there were 46,981 fall-related inpatient and emergency department discharges in South Carolina and 476 of those patients died due to their injuries. The total inpatient and emergency department charges averages more than $7 million annually.
Studies show that a combination of interventions can significantly reduce falls among older adults. TASC Recommends:
• Installing grab bars and handrails throughout your home as needed.
• Considering a medical alert monitoring system that offers a fall detector.
• Turning on lights, even if it wakes others. Many falls occur when no lights are on.
• Slowing down. Many falls could be avoided by taking your time.
• Mixing alcohol and some medication can be dangerous. Medication side effects, such as drowsiness, may be increased with alcohol.
• Carrying a cordless or cell phone at all times, in case of an emergency.
• Getting rid of throw rugs and low furniture, as peripheral vision decreases with age.
• Using a walking assist device, if needed.
The MUSC Health Level 1 Trauma Center provides care for patients with very serious injuries or illnesses. MUSC Health is the area’s only Level 1 Trauma Center and is prepared 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to offer immediate care for life threatening injuries, and provide trauma patients with instant access to the most advanced technology, and critical care services.
TASC is an organization of health care professionals dedicated to improving the care of trauma victims across the state of South Carolina. Currently, 19 hospitals are members of TASC: Palmetto Health Richland (Columbia), Medical University of South Carolina (Charleston), Spartanburg Regional Medical Center, Greenville Memorial Medical Center, McLeod Regional Medical Center (Florence), Grand Strand Regional Medical Center (Myrtle Beach), AnMed Health (Anderson), Roper Hospital (Charleston), Bon Secours Hospital/St. Francis (Charleston), East Cooper Medical Center (Charleston), Trident Medical Center (Charleston), Lexington Medical Center, Piedmont Medical Center (Rock Hill), Self Regional Healthcare (Greenwood), Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center (Hartsville), Regional Medical Center (Orangeburg), Beaufort Memorial Hospital, Conway Medical Center, and Carolinas Hospital System (Florence). For more information on falls among older adults, visit the Trauma Association of South Carolina web site at: http://www.sc-trauma.org.
About MUSC
Founded in 1824 in Charleston, The Medical University of South Carolina is the oldest medical school in the South. Today, MUSC continues the tradition of excellence in education, research, and patient care. MUSC educates and trains more than 3,000 students and residents, and has nearly 13,000 employees, including approximately 1,500 faculty members. As the largest non-federal employer in Charleston, the university and its affiliates have collective annual budgets in excess of $2.2 billion. MUSC operates a 750-bed medical center, which includes a nationally recognized Children’s Hospital, the Ashley River Tower (cardiovascular, digestive disease, and surgical oncology), Hollings Cancer Center (one of 69 National Cancer Institute designated centers) Level I Trauma Center and Institute of Psychiatry. For more information on academic information or clinical services, visit musc.edu. For more information on hospital patient services, visit muschealth.org.
