At Hato Hone St John our strategy Manaaki Ora guides everything we do. It brings our vision for better health and wellbeing for all New Zealanders to life by connecting every part of our organisation - from our ambulance service to our community programmes.

As part of this strategy, we’re focusing on two areas where we know we can make a big difference over the next 10 years: cardiac arrest survival and falls prevention and referral. These are major health challenges in Aotearoa New Zealand, but they are also areas where early action and the right support can save lives and improve wellbeing. 

Why falls prevention and good referral are important issues in Aotearoa New Zealand?

Falls are one of the most common causes of injury for older people in Aotearoa New Zealand. As our population grows and ages, more people are needing help after a fall. Every year, around 50,000 people call 111 because they have fallen.This means almost one in eight emergency calls we receive is related to a fall. 

What many people don’t realise is that falls can often be prevented. They are not necessarily just random accidents. With the right information and support, we can reduce the risk of falling and help people stay strong, safe, and independent for longer. 

That’s why we’re working closely with partners like ACC and Osteoporosis New Zealand to spread the word about simple steps that can make a big difference. Strength and balance exercises, staying active, and checking in early when things don’t feel right can all help reduce your chances of falling. Early support can also help protect your confidence - something that is just as important as physical strength. 

Together, we want all New Zealanders to understand how to look after their wellbeing, prevent falls where possible, and stay confident and independent in their daily lives.  

Each April Hato Hone St John promotes its work in the prevention and referral area through its April Falls campaign.

The organisation holds Falls Prevention events during this period and throughout the year. To find out if there is an event in your community, please email us at: aprilfallsevents@stjohn.org.nz

Also, check out our information brochure about falls prevention, referral and care here:

standing together brochure 

 

Reduce your risk of having a fall

  • Stay active. A good app to use is Nymbl which is a free balance training app from ACC. 
  • Have regular check-ups including balance and strength test assessments .Find an ACC strength and balance class that you can attend here.  
  • Have your eyesight checked regularly and check your home for any potential risks - remove obstacles including electrical cords, rugs and other things you could trip over.
  • Ensure your home is well lit and instal handrails where necessary. Keep walkways clear and make sure useful items are within easy reach at home, especially your phone.
  • Stand up slowly after lying down or sitting.
  • If you are living in residential care, vitamin D supplements are recommended to enhance muscle strength and bone density.
  • Have a clear plan on how to call for help if needed, keep your phone within easy reach at home and consider a Hato Hone St John medical alarm for extra reassurance.

 

Let’s look after ourselves and each other. Who is most risk of falls?

  • People aged 65 years and over and live alone or are left alone for extended periods.
  • People who use mobility assisted devices such as mobility scooters, walkers, crutches and walking canes.
  • Those who take several medications daily. 
  • People who have a history of one or more falls and would be unable to get up easily after a fall.
  • Those who have been in hospital within the past 12 months and are physically frail or suffer from physical weakness and have sensory deficits such as vision, balance or hearing. 
  • People who have safety hazards in the home such as stairs that cannot be modified. 

Watch some educational videos about falls prevention below:

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