LIVES launches Falls Response Unit in Lincolnshire

Lincolnshire emergency response charity, LIVES, has officially launched the Falls Response Unit.

LIVES is pleased to announce the continuation of the Falls Response Unit after an initial trial. This service ensures that patients who require urgent medical attention, following a 999 call as the result of a fall, receive the care from this specialist team.

LIVES has been providing the Falls Response Unit for over two years with a team of responders with specialist skill in this area. They are proud to continue supporting patients across Lincolnshire with this dedicated service, in partnership with Lincolnshire County Council and Lincolnshire Clinical Commissioing Group.

In the six months from October 2020 – March 2021 the LIVES Falls Response team attended over 1,100 emergency calls and almost half of these patients were discharged at the scene, allowing them to safely stay at home and relieving pressure on our health care system at a very busy time.

Nikki Cooke, CEO of LIVES, said of the service: “For many senior members living alone in our community, something as simple as a fall could be the beginning of a horrific ordeal. The LIVES Falls Response Unit meets a fundamental need for older members of society, who suffer a debilitating injury at home; to know someone is there.

“We’re on call to get to those low injury, yet potentially life changing events fast. We’re there to ensure our elderly residents are never left alone for a second longer than necessary, following a fall that leaves them incapacitated.”

Chris Cole, Head of Operations at LIVES, added: “When an elderly person falls, their needs potentially go way beyond treatment of an initial injury. That’s why, when the call comes in, one of our experienced healthcare professionals will be on the scene quickly to help get the patient back on their feet and provide further treatment or referral if required.

“We assess the needs of the patient to make sure they don’t fall again the future. Often going above the initial call made to 999.”

The Falls service has shown to have a significant impact on reducing hospital admissions, with just under half of patients avoiding a trip to the hospital as a result of being assessed and treated by the LIVES Falls team.

On the evening of Thursday 27th May, LIVES held a launch event to officially introduce the Falls Response Unit at their headquarters in Horncastle, showcasing the specialist skills and equipment carried onboard the service.