Link: https://old.reddit.com/r/LifeProTips/comments/1tdmjht/lpt_if_someone_falls_or_takes_an_injury_do_not/

This is an automated archive made by the Lemmit Bot.

The original was posted on /r/lifeprotips by /u/InternalServerErr500 on 2026-05-15 05:15:22+00:00.

It's instinctual to try and get someone back on their feet. It goes back to our herd monkey brains trying to get someone back running away from predators. It also triggers an embarrassment mechanism in our brain where we don't want people looking or gawking.

But if someone falls to the ground, they could be seriously injured, even if it's a small fall, and ESPECIALLY if they are elderly. Take your time, give a good few minutes with the person on the ground. THEIR adrenaline could be masking an injury, or their head injury could not be known.

You pull them to stand them up instinctively, you could cause more damage. If they're not well enough to stand, they'll fall back down and cause even more damage.

If someone falls-

STOP

Take a minute, assess the situation, give them a few minutes to recover.

If they cannot stand back up on their own, you call 911. You could be saving them from further injury.