A ground level fall is a fall that occurs from a height of zero, or close to it. Think about a “slip” or “trip”. This could include falls from a standing position, or falls from a very low height such as a step or a curb. Ground level falls can still be serious and result in injuries, especially if the person falls awkwardly or lands on a hard surface. For example, a person could fall and hit their head on a concrete floor, or fall and twist their ankle on an uneven surface. It’s important to be cautious and take appropriate safety precautions to avoid ground level falls, especially if you are older or have mobility issues.
These types of falls are common in older persons. Those who plan on “aging in place” should take care to make their homes as safe as possible by removing potential tripping hazards like throw rugs, electrical cords, stacks of newspapers/magazines, and store shoes and other items out of pathways.