Injuries from falls, such as those sustained while riding a motorcycle or engaging in physical activity, can affect bones, muscles, ligaments, and skin. Common injuries include abrasions from friction with asphalt, or bruising and swelling on the legs from a hard impact. In these situations, it's crucial to provide first aid after a fall, including cleaning the wound to prevent infection, applying ice packs to the swollen area, and taking painkillers if pain or tenderness occurs.
Injuries should not be taken lightly; improper treatment can lead to serious complications, including infection and the risk of amputation. Therefore, make sure you know the proper steps for wound care and recovery after an accident.
Where Should I Take My Child If I Have Injured Due to a Fall?
If you experience an injury from a fall, you should see a doctor immediately at a hospital. The doctor can perform tests such as an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI to accurately determine the cause of the injury and provide appropriate treatment, including pain relief if necessary.
Relying on a massage therapist is highly discouraged, as injuries can involve serious conditions such as broken bones or torn joints, which cannot be detected without medical equipment. Incorrect treatment can actually worsen the condition and pose greater risks.
How to Provide First Aid After a Fall?
First aid after a fall includes:
- Limit the victim's movement, rest the leg or injured area. Avoid forcing the affected area to move too much.
- Compress the painful or swollen area with ice water.
- If broken, tie it with a splint to reduce mobilization in the area indicated as broken/sprained.
- Immediately take the victim to the hospital so they can get fast and appropriate treatment.
- If the victim cannot stand or move, call for medical assistance to get help.
Do not force the injured area to move, let alone massage it. Take the victim to a hospital as soon as possible, as treatment for injuries resulting from falls should be carried out by a doctor at a hospital to ensure proper care.
5 Ways to Treat Injuries from Falls
Wounds or injuries from falls usually occur due to skin rubbing against a rough surface and, if not treated properly, can lead to infection. Here are the first aid steps you can take after a fall:
1. Wash your hands first
Before touching the wound, make sure your hands are clean to prevent germs from entering the wound. Wash hands with soap under running water.
2. Clean the wound gently
The next step is to clean the wound with clean water or sterile saline. Also, avoid using alcohol or hydrogen peroxide as they can cause irritation. Avoid rubbing the wound to avoid worsening the skin condition.
3. Apply ointment to the wound
Once the wound is clean and dry, you should apply an antiseptic ointment to prevent infection. If needed, an antibiotic ointment can also be used under a doctor's recommendation.
4. Cover the wound with a bandage
The wound can be covered with a sterile bandage to protect it from dirt. Don't over-tighten it to ensure good air circulation. Change the bandage regularly.
5. Take pain relievers if necessary.
If the injury causes pain, soreness, or even fever, you can take pain relievers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen to help relieve these symptoms. These medications can be used as part of first aid after a fall to reduce post-injury discomfort.
Taking pain relievers also helps the body rest better, allowing for optimal wound healing. However, always ensure you follow the directions on the packaging or as directed by your doctor.
Painkillers Available at Pharmacies
To relieve pain, there are several types of pain relievers available over-the-counter at pharmacies, as long as they are used as directed. Here are some commonly used options and their benefits:
1. Paracetamol
Paracetamol is known as a fever-reducing and mild pain reliever for conditions such as headaches, toothaches, colds, joint pain, flu, and menstrual cramps. Its effects are similar to aspirin, so it's often recommended for those who are sensitive to aspirin.
Even though it is an over-the-counter drug, it needs to be used with caution because excessive doses can damage the liver.
2. Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen is a limited over-the-counter drug that can relieve mild to moderate pain, such as headaches, migraines, fever, or inflammation due to rheumatism.
This medication should not be used in conjunction with other NSAIDs, such as mefenamic acid, as it may increase the risk of bleeding.
3. Acetylsalicylic Acid (Aspirin)
Aspirin can be used to treat mild pain and fever at high doses, while at lower doses it can help prevent blood clots, heart attacks, or strokes. Use according to the recommended dosage for optimal therapeutic effect.
How Long Does It Take to Recover from a Fall Injury?
Recovery time for injuries resulting from falls varies. If the injury involves soft tissue, it typically takes at least three weeks. However, if the injury involves bone, recovery can take at least six weeks, depending on the severity of the injury. Afterward, the patient will still need rehabilitation before returning to normal activities.
If you experience any of the symptoms of an injury mentioned above, seek medical attention immediately for prompt treatment. It's best not to take injured patients to a massage therapist or other traditional healers. Incorrect treatment can lead to more serious complications. The sooner treatment is provided, the greater the chance of recovery and return to normal activities.
This article was reviewed by Dr. Pradhana Wijayanta, Sp.OT (Orthopedic & Traumatology Specialist at EMC Hospital, Tangerang).