- Did she hit her head? Any loss of consciousness?
- Is she on anticoagulants or antiplatelets?
- Obs and GCS? Any pain — especially hip or neck?
- Has she been moved?
Do now
- See her: A–E, GCS, pupils, C-spine if any concern
- Examine for injury — hip, wrist, head, ribs
- Why did she fall? Lying/standing BP, ECG, glucose, infection, drugs
- CT head if criteria met (anticoagulants lower the threshold)
- Neuro obs and document carefully
Key doses
- Analgesia: paracetamol 1 g; titrated opioid if needed
Typical adult doses — always check the BNF and your local guideline.
Call your senior if
- Head injury on anticoagulants
- Reduced GCS or focal signs
- Suspected fracture
- Syncope, chest pain or arrhythmia before the fall
Think of
- Syncope (cardiac)
- Postural hypotension / drugs
- Infection / delirium
- Hypoglycaemia
- Stroke
Go deeper
The full walkthroughs behind this call.