Fall From Height Emergency Response

Falls from height are the most common cause of fatal injuries on UK construction sites.
Casualties may have spinal injuries, head injuries, fractures, and internal bleeding requiring specialist care.
The first responder must call 999 immediately and not attempt to move a casualty with suspected spinal injury.
Suspension trauma (harness hang syndrome) affects workers left suspended in a harness after a fall arrest.
Blood pools in the legs during suspension, and the heart cannot circulate it, causing cardiac arrest within minutes.
A rescue plan for harness suspension must enable recovery within 10 to 15 minutes maximum.
Casualties found unconscious after a fall must be placed in the recovery position only if no spinal injury.
Bleeding from open fractures must be controlled with direct pressure and wound dressings.
The location of the fall, height fallen, and the surface landed on must be reported to emergency services.
CDM 2015 requires that emergency procedures including fall rescue are planned before work at height begins.

Save lives	Correct first response after a fall prevents secondary injury and keeps the casualty alive until paramedics arrive.
Suspension trauma	Workers in harnesses after fall arrest die from suspension trauma within minutes without prompt rescue and treatment.
Spinal injury	Moving a casualty with an undetected spinal injury causes permanent paralysis. Keeping them still saves their mobility.

Do

Don't

Call 999 immediately and describe the fall height, injuries, and exact location.
Keep the casualty still and calm; do not move them if spinal injury is possible.
Control bleeding from open wounds with direct pressure and clean dressings.
Rescue a suspended harness casualty within 10 to 15 minutes to prevent trauma.
Place an unconscious breathing casualty in the recovery position if spine is clear.
Cover the casualty with a blanket to prevent hypothermia while waiting for help.
Keep bystanders clear and preserve the scene for incident investigation.
Guide the ambulance to the exact location using a designated meet-and-greet person.
Record what happened, the time of the fall, and all first aid provided.
Support witnesses and first responders after the incident with welfare follow-up.

DON'T move a fall casualty unless they are in immediate danger from further harm.
DON'T remove a helmet from a head injury casualty; leave it for paramedics.
DON'T leave a worker suspended in a harness; initiate rescue within minutes.
DON'T straighten broken limbs or push bones back into wounds.
DON'T give the casualty food, drink, or medication while waiting for emergency services.
DON'T crowd around the casualty; keep the area clear for the paramedic team.
DON'T delay calling 999 to assess the situation; call first, then assist.
DON'T sit a harness suspension casualty upright immediately after rescue.
DON'T disturb the fall scene until the investigation team has examined it.
DON'T forget to support the first responders and witnesses after a serious fall.

See also: Falls From Height Awareness | Rescue Plan Requirements

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