NURSES are to train firefighters across Bradford on how to spot over-65s at risk of falls in their own homes.

More than 25,000 people each year in the district have at least one fall, according to Bradford District Care Trust which is about to roll out the initiative.

Yesterday saw the start of the 18-month programme at Keighley Fire Station.

The idea is that crews carrying out home safety checks will help identify vulnerable people who might need help to avoid falls which could see them end up with a serious injury or a hospital stay.

The training from specialist nurses will give firefighters the knowledge what signs to look out for to spot people who may be at risk of a fall and offer advice to them in their homes to prevent falls from happening, such as moving furniture and rugs.

Anyone at risk of a fall is then referred by the firefighters to the Care Trust’s district nursing team to receive the help and support they need.

Rachel Morris, Falls Prevention Nurse at the Trust who is delivering the training, said: “Over 25,000 people each year in the Bradford district have at least one fall. Out of this number, 578 are admitted to hospital as a result of a hip fracture and 2,600 attend hospital as a result of a fracture.

“By working together with West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, we are now able to identify vulnerable people which we might not be aware of and offer help and support to prevent falls which could result in a serious injury or hospital stay.”

The project is based on a successful six-month pilot in Keighley run by the Care Trust with the Fire Service which saw 80 people undertake a falls screening assessment to identify people at risk of a fall; of those, 46 referrals were made to the Trust’s District Nursing team.

One 84-year-old who was referred was visited by a district nurse who found she had an undiagnosed condition which meant if she stood up too quickly her blood pressure would drop, making her dizzy or lightheaded and potentially fall. The woman is now getting medication to help her and is joining in balance and exercise classes.

Jo Corbett, team leader for Silsden District Nursing Team at the Care Trust, said: “When we receive a referral we visit people in their homes to look in depth at any factors that have or could cause a fall such as medication people are taking, high or low blood pressure, any infections a person may have that could cause them to lose balance and also potential hazards such as furniture and wires which need moving. We can also suggest further support for people such as eye tests and physiotherapy.”

Chris Kirby, Area Manager for Fire Safety for West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “When firefighters visit people in their homes for Safe and Well checks across Bradford and Airedale to discuss fire safety, they also will give basic advice on falls and see which people could be at risk of a fall. We can identify issues at an early stage which can reduce the likelihood of people being admitted to hospital by putting preventative measures in place.”

Go to westyorksfire.gov.uk/your-safety/home/home-fire-safety-checks.