If a backward fall on a stair cannot be stopped, what is the recommended action?

If a backward fall on a stair cannot be stopped, what is the recommended action?

• A. Prevent fall down stairs
• B. Let patient lean on you
• C. Sit on thigh or guide to wall
• D. Call for emergency assistance

Answer: (A)

The main idea is safety during a fall on stairs: if you can’t halt the backward fall, focus on preventing the descent from continuing down the stairs. Stabilizing the person at the current step and stopping them from sliding to lower steps reduces the risk of serious injuries to the head, neck, and spine. This protective action buys time to assess for injuries, call for help if needed, and position the person safely. Leaning on you or trying to sit on the thigh or guide them to a wall on stairs can be unstable and may transfer force or lead to another fall. Calling emergency assistance is important if injury is suspected or you cannot safely control the situation, but the immediate priority in this moment is to stop the fall from progressing down the stairs.

The main idea is safety during a fall on stairs: if you can’t halt the backward fall, focus on preventing the descent from continuing down the stairs. Stabilizing the person at the current step and stopping them from sliding to lower steps reduces the risk of serious injuries to the head, neck, and spine. This protective action buys time to assess for injuries, call for help if needed, and position the person safely.

Leaning on you or trying to sit on the thigh or guide them to a wall on stairs can be unstable and may transfer force or lead to another fall. Calling emergency assistance is important if injury is suspected or you cannot safely control the situation, but the immediate priority in this moment is to stop the fall from progressing down the stairs.