Having a client fall over is possibly one of the worst things that can happen in the daily life of a live-in carer. Apart from your client actually dying, finding them on the floor or elsewhere is the worst feeling in the world.

Unfortunately, the nature of the clients that we take care of means that falls will happen at some point or another. Most of the time they may not be too serious, and sometimes you may even be able to prevent a client from falling but there are sometimes when a fall victim needs to be checked out to make sure they are ok.

When should you call paramedics?

It is always a good idea to call and have your client checked out when they have bumped their head. Even if you suspect that this has happened you may want to at least call the doctor for a visit.

Should your client be bleeding anywhere, you should call and get professional advice. Paramedics will be able to dress a wound and recommend a visit from the GP to confirm all is well.

Normally even the most stubborn of clients will accept paramedics if there is blood from a fall.

What if the client refuses help?

This is one of those situations where a lot of diplomacy is called for. Many clients will adamantly refuse to allow you to call, telling you that there is nothing wrong with them.

Consider where and how your client has fallen. If there is any possibility that they have bumped their head, then you may want to call the doctor for advice regardless of the objection from your client. A simple visit from the doctor to check them over will not upset the apple cart too much.

However, if your client has mental capacity and refuses to allow you to make that call, you may have no option but to comply, even though you know that calling for attention is the best thing to do.

Not making that call certainly leaves you in a difficult position. If something happens to your client over the next day or so, it may be directly blamed on the fall that you did not get checked out.

So, what to do?

If your client adamantly refuses attention, and has the mental capacity to do so, then you should not call. They have the right to refuse medical attention at this point.

What you should do is to report it. Document it, write up your side of the story, and tell your agency and the family or next of kin.

Make your report as detailed as you need to and make sure that you state that your client refused attention. Get this report to your agency and family/next of kin as soon as you can so they know you have done all you could in a timely manner.

Final thoughts

For a client who has mental capacity to make their own decisions, they will have the final say on whether you call the paramedics or not. You cannot force the issue.

If your client is bleeding, you may be able to convince them to be checked out.  Certainly, if your client is unconscious you have the right to call paramedics.

Whatever the outcome, it is vital that you cover yourself and your own actions here. Document times and date, and report to agency, family and next of kin as soon as you can.

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