Falls Treatment Pathways
Falls are one of the most common reasons for an ambulance to be called out to treat an older person. In 2019, the Scottish Ambulance Service attended over 62,000 incidents where someone had fallen.
In addition to the physical consequences of falling, falls can impact a person’s confidence and ability to get out and about and live independently.
In Spring 2021, Age Scotland undertook a consultation on behalf of the ambulance service to find out how older people would like to be treated after a fall at home. The findings of this project will inform the Scottish Ambulance Service's National Falls Pathway Strategy.
Age Scotland held four focus groups sessions over Zoom with participants from our member groups in a wide range of geographic locations. We also carried out telephone interviews and received written submissions from those who were unable to attend one of the group sessions.
What were participants asked?
The Scottish Ambulance Service provided us with the following four questions:
- If you had a fall at home what would you expect from the ambulance service?
- If you had a fall at home are there any other services you would contact other than the ambulance service?
- If an ambulance crew recommended you did not need to go to A&E what would be your thoughts?
- If an ambulance crew or ambulance caller advised that you could be referred to community services and be treated at home, how would you feel about this?
Read the full report
Download the findings of Age Scotland's falls treatment pathways engagement project.
Want to find out more?
> Contact Age Scotland's Policy and Communications team on 0333 323 2400 or email policycomms@agescotland.org.uk
> Read about Age Scotland's work to promote health and wellbeing