44,516 People in the Last 5 Years... Many Elderly Women
The Jeju Special Self-Governing Province Fire Safety Headquarters will issue an early "Winter Elderly Fall Accident Warning" on the 22nd to prevent casualties from fall accidents caused by environmental and physical factors ahead of the winter season.
According to the Jeju Fire Safety Headquarters on the 21st, a total of 44,516 fall accident cases occurred in the province over the past five years (2019?2023), of which 29.4% (13,098 people) were elderly aged 65 and over. The proportion of elderly people has been steadily increasing, and last year, the number rose by 15.4% (415 people) compared to the previous year, reaching 3,117 cases.
The incidence rate of fall accidents among elderly women was 69.0% (9,039 people), more than twice that of men, and by time of day, 10 to 11 a.m. recorded the highest number with 1,647 cases (12.6%).
Additionally, 38.6% (5,057 people) of the total suffered fractures due to falls, followed by contusions and abrasions at 28.3% (3,708 people), and open wounds at 14.9% (1,954 people).
More than half of the fall accidents, 50.9% (6,669 people), occurred at home, highlighting the need for special caution in daily life.
The Jeju Fire Safety Headquarters plans to strengthen accident prevention publicity by issuing the winter elderly fall accident warning and establishing a cooperative system with related organizations to disseminate safety rules, while also establishing a rapid response system upon receiving reports.
Fall accident prevention guidelines include ▲ installing anti-slip products in areas where water is used ▲ wearing well-fitting shoes ▲ walking slowly while checking the floor and surroundings ▲ keeping indoor lighting bright.
Gominja, head of the Fire Safety Headquarters, emphasized, “Elderly fall accidents can lead to severe physical injuries, so special caution is necessary,” and added, “Since a high proportion of accidents occur at home, it is important to regularly check and improve potential hazards in the surroundings.”
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