Project Description Narrative:
Wisconsin has the highest rate of fall-related deaths in the United States. While many falls result in emergency department visits, the number of falls for which emergency medical services (EMS) are called for lift-assistance, but do not require care or treatment, have increased, which can divert EMS staffing and resources from other emergency calls.
Early interventions with health services can reduce the risk for future falls, injuries, and even death. Through this project, an infrastructure will be built for a county-wide fall referral and response system for EMS-related calls in Kenosha County. A collaborative partnership with Kenosha’s fire departments and other key partners, this system will identify fallers 65 years and older and quickly put in place prevention interventions to prevent future falls.
Community Partners: Kenosha County Aging and Disability Resource Center, Wisconsin Institute for Healthy Aging, Aurora Health at Home, Froedtert South Hospital-Kenosha, Kenosha County Dispatch Center, Kenosha County Medical Examiner, Kenosha County Public Health