Jeju Fire Department Issues 'Winter Elderly Fall Accident Warning' on the 30th

[Jeju=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Hwang Jeongpil] The Jeju Special Self-Governing Province Fire Safety Headquarters issued a "Winter Elderly Fall Accident Warning" on the 30th as winter cold intensifies with heavy snowfall recently in Jeju.

According to the Jeju Fire Safety Headquarters on the 29th, a total of 46,674 fall accidents occurred in the Jeju area over the past five years (2017-2021), of which 11,848 (25.4%) involved elderly people (65 years and older).

By season, winter (December to February) accounted for 3,054 cases (25.8%), the second highest after autumn (3,188 cases, 26.9%). By location, more than half of the falls occurred at home, with 5,960 cases (50.3%).

By type of injury, fractures accounted for 40.1%, contusions/abrasions 27.5%, lacerations (open wounds) 14.7%, and sprains/dislocations 12.5%. By gender, elderly women (8,303 cases, 70.1%) had a higher accident rate than elderly men (3,545 cases, 29.9%).

By time, the highest number of falls occurred between 8 and 9 a.m. (1,596 cases, 13.5%), when daily activities begin in earnest. By activity, most falls (7,990 cases, 67.4%) happened during daily life activities.

The Jeju Fire Safety Headquarters plans to strengthen prevention guidance and publicity by establishing a cooperative system with related organizations along with issuing the winter elderly fall accident warning, and to establish a rapid dispatch system in case of emergency patients.

Since fall accidents among the elderly can cause serious aftereffects and can be a direct cause of death, special caution is required.

Prevention methods for fall accidents include ▲regular exercise to strengthen muscles ▲consulting a doctor about medications and avoiding excessive drinking ▲wearing appropriate glasses if vision deteriorates ▲making the home environment safe by installing non-slip treatments and handrails in places like bathrooms.

If a fall accident occurs, it is best to first calm your breathing, check for injuries, and if able to get up, lie on your side, then use both arms to raise your upper body and slowly stand up by leaning on a chair or other supportive furniture.

If unable to get up, maintain a comfortable position while lying down and call 119 or ask nearby people for help.

Park Geun-oh, head of the Fire Safety Headquarters, said, "Following safety rules is very important to prevent winter elderly fall accidents," and added, "If it is difficult to move due to a fall accident, maintain a comfortable position and promptly call 119 for help."

Jeju=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Hwang Jeongpil baekok@asiae.co.kr

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.