Falling can be a scary thing. Getting up from the floor after a fall is the number one most important skill to learn.
Safety Warning: Check in with your body before moving
It is important to note, you should only attempt to get up if you are not injured for feel dizzy.
You also need to know your capabilities. You should only attempt getting up if you know you have adequate strength. That is why I recommend practicing this and getting proficient at it.
If your gut is telling you that you may have a serious injury, do not let another person pull you up. Instead ask them to call 911.
Remember, calling 911 does not necessarily mean you will need to go to the hospital. It will just allow some very capable big strong men to arrive on the scene and help you to get up. ?
One final thing, give your body a moment to relax. This will give your body time to “alert you” via pain if you have a serious injury. It will also give your heart rate and blood pressure a chance to return to a resting state. There is no doubt that getting up from the floor will reqiure energy exertion which will increase your heart rate and blood pressure. This would not be good if your heart rate and blood pressure are already elevated.
Step-by-step guide to how to safely get up after a fall
Step One
Try and get to seat position on the floor and find something low to the ground like a step stool to place behind you. This step stool is an invaluable tool to have for a variety of exercises and it is worth the investment.
Step Two
Place your hands on the stool. If you only have one strong arm, it is possible to do this just pushing up with one arm. Get both legs tuck up toward your chest. This is critical in gaining the best “leverage”. And push with body legs and both arms
Step Three:
Slide your bottom back on to the step
Step Four:
Now your body is high enough off the ground to push up again (using the same method as in the previous step).
Now, not every method will work. If this method does not work for you here is an alternative method to getting up from the floor.