The Fall You Don't See Coming: Strengthening Emergency And Trauma Preparedness

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 16 (Bernama) -- A seemingly minor fall, often dismissed as insignificant, can have serious and even life-threatening consequences, such as internal bleeding in the brain or abdomen, even when there are no immediate signs of injury.

In a statement, Sunway Medical Centre Velocity (SMCV), citing the World Health Organisation (WHO), highlighted that falls are the second leading cause of unintentional injury deaths globally, claiming an estimated 684,000 lives each year.

Despite how common they are, SMCV notes that falls are often underestimated, with many individuals only seeking medical attention once symptoms have worsened.

SMCV Consultant Emergency Physician Dr Cyrus Lai Sin Nan said he has witnessed numerous cases where patients initially appeared unharmed but were later found to have critical internal injuries.

“We have had patients walking into the Accident & Emergency (A&E) Department after a fall, talking and moving normally, only for scans to reveal serious internal injuries such as bleeding in the brain or abdomen.

“Just because there is no broken bone, it doesn’t mean there is no problem. Some injuries, particularly in the head or abdomen, may not show symptoms immediately, and that timely response can make all the difference,” Dr Lai was quoted in the statement.

However, he said falls rarely occur due to a single cause; instead, they typically stem from a combination of environmental, lifestyle and medical factors, and most incidents occur at home, especially in bathrooms and staircases, where wet or uneven surfaces make slipping more likely.

Lifestyle factors add to the risk, while underlying health issues such as poor vision, osteoporosis or low blood pressure can further heighten susceptibility, particularly when combined with medications that cause dizziness or instability.

With these factors combined, even a seemingly minor fall can lead to serious consequences, he noted.

Given how falls can result in anything from minor injuries to serious trauma, having access to a trauma-ready emergency department is crucial, and at SMCV, trauma cases are managed through a multidisciplinary approach, bringing together physicians and surgeons from various specialities to deliver comprehensive care for different forms of injuries. 

“This coordinated response ensures that injuries, even those not immediately visible, are detected and treated swiftly to prevent complications and improve recovery outcomes,” Dr Lai said.

Even a minor bump to the head can result in internal bleeding within the brain, potentially leading to loss of consciousness and, in severe cases, long-term complications that affect a person’s physical, cognitive, and emotional functions.

In severe cases, traumatic brain injury (TBI) may also increase the risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a progressive brain disease caused by repeated trauma.

While falls can affect people of all ages, their consequences are often most severe among the elderly. A single fall may lead to hip fractures that often require surgical procedures such as total hip replacement to restore mobility and quality of life.

The concern is further amplified by projections that hip fracture cases in Malaysia will rise 3.5 times by 2050, from around 6,000 cases currently to more than 21,000 cases.

Dr Lai said that for elderly patients with hip fractures, total hip replacement is often the most effective course of treatment, as it not only repairs the trauma but also helps them return to daily activities with less pain and better function.

Given these risks, Dr Lai stresses that seeking medical attention immediately after a fall can make a crucial difference in recovery. He also warned against relying on home remedies after a fall, calling it a common misconception that consuming something sweet may help. 

“It is a common misconception that drinking something sweet may make a person feel better temporarily, but it does not treat any injury,” said Dr Lai while noting that applying ointments or massaging bruised areas right after a fall can actually worsen swelling or bleeding.

Instead, he advises resting, applying ice, and getting checked if pain or swelling persists. He emphasises that early assessment allows for hidden injuries to be identified and stabilises patients before complications set in, noting that recovery becomes more difficult the longer the patients wait. 

With falls remaining one of the most frequent reasons for visits to the A&E Department, timely access to proper care is vital in preventing complications and improving recovery outcomes. In line with this, SMCV has upgraded and expanded its facilities to enhance accessibility, improve patient flow, and strengthen its critical care readiness.

The expansion includes a redesigned layout featuring improved triage areas, more treatment and observation bays, increased inpatient bed capacity, and faster on-site diagnostic services - all aimed at delivering faster and more coordinated care for their patients.

SMCV Medical Director and Consultant Emergency Physician Dr Wee Tong Ming underscored the importance of emergency care in life-threatening situations.

“A&E care is often the first line of defence in saving lives. Our expansion reflects SMCV’s commitment to providing swift, efficient and compassionate care for every patient who walks through our doors, because when it comes to emergencies, every second counts,” he said.

As Malaysia’s population continues to age and lifestyles grow increasingly sedentary, the risk of falls is expected to rise, making it a growing public health concern.

SMCV emphasised that early recognition, timely A&E care, and continued public awareness can prevent many fall-related injuries from becoming life-altering.

“Through its expanded A&E Department, bed capacity and multidisciplinary expertise, SMCV reaffirms its commitment to keeping the community safe by ensuring every patient receives swift, comprehensive and compassionate care when it matters most,” the statement read.

-- BERNAMA

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