DHS Reports Increase in Fall-related Emergency Medical Services Calls Statewide

DHS Reports Increase in Fall-related Emergency Medical Services Calls Statewide

Number of responses increased by 10,000 from 2023 to 2024

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has released an updated report finding that emergency medical services (EMS) in Wisconsin responded to over 140,000 falls in 2024, representing a staggering 21% of all 911-related ambulance runs in 2024. This week marks Falls Prevention Week, and DHS encourages Wisconsinites, caregivers, and partner agencies to take steps to reduce fall risk severity.

"Falls remain a serious injury and health concern in Wisconsin, and EMS remain crucial in reducing the risk of death and disability due to a fall," said State Health Officer Paula Tran. "This report highlights the pressing need for increased access to falls prevention programming and supplies to reduce falls while supporting the independence and health of aging Wisconsinites."

Monitoring data from the Wisconsin Ambulance Run Data System (WARDS) and the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS), DHS tracks EMS response calls as one way to understand causes of injury or illness across the state and monitor local EMS service needs. Key findings include:

• Wisconsin EMS providers responded to nearly 10,000 more fall-related calls in 2024 compared to 2023.
• Private residences remain the primary location of falls, representing 61.6% of fall-related incidents.
• EMS responses to private residences made up the largest increase in falls responses in which a patient did not require transport to a hospital. These have increased by 16,000 runs since 2018, an 86% increase.
• EMS responses to nursing homes for falls not requiring a patient transport to a hospital increased by 2,933 since 2018, a 285% increase.

Falls not only strain Wisconsin's EMS system, but they impact health outcomes, leading to death or causing long-term health conditions from injuries or a loss of confidence in one's own physical fitness.

"Falls are common and can have a big impact on someone's life, but they don't have to be a normal part of getting older," says Wisconsin Institute for Healthy Aging (WIHA) director Jill Renken. "We know what causes most falls, and we know how to prevent them. There are easy things we can all do to build resiliency and lower risk of falling."

WIHA's Falls Free Wisconsin initiative provides older adults, families, and caregivers with tools and information to understand fall risks and take steps to stay independent and safe at home and in the community. Measures like improving lighting, reducing clutter, and making commonly used items easily accessible can reduce the risk of falls. Workshops like Stepping On or Pisando Fuerte are available to help residents build strength, skills, and learn ways to reduce risks and gain confidence in daily living.

Wisconsin's Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) with locations in every county, and dedicated resource specialists who serve Tribal members offer additional free resources including direct contact with a specialist who can answer questions or offer home visits to reduce fall risks. Residents can find their nearest resource center by calling 1-844-WIS-ADRC (844-947-2372) or logging on to FindMyADRC.org.