New data has revealed that a total of 4,245 elderly individuals (65+) required ambulance drop-off at Kingston Hospital following a fall across 2023 and 2024, reinforcing the ongoing concern over fall-related incidents among older adults.

Figures obtained through a Freedom of Information (FOI) request by Access BDD, specialists in stairlifts and home lift solutions, show that the number of incidents remained consistently high over the two years.

In 2023, there were 2,338 fall-related ambulance drop-offs, while in 2024, the figure was 1,907.

In 2023, there were 1,740 fall-related hospital transports, and in 2024, this number increased to 1,922. 

Analysis of where these incidents occurred highlights that the majority of falls happened within private homes. In 2023, the most frequent location was "Home" and this continued into 2024.

Older adults aged 85 and overrepresented the highest number of fall-related drop-offs, totalling 2,232 across the two years. The 75–84 age group followed with 1,460 cases, while those aged 65–74 accounted for 556 cases.

Women made up the majority of ambulance arrivals, with 2,585 cases compared to 1,660 involving men.

December 2023 and January 2024 each recorded 158 and 166 incidents respectively, while peak activity across the year occurred consistently around the summer and winter months.

Analysis of repeat incidents reveals that the number of elderly patients requiring multiple ambulance visits following falls remained notable, with October 2023 (35 incidents) and January 2024 (40 incidents) recording the highest monthly reattendance figures.

Weekday analysis shows that Tuesdays saw the highest percentage of fall-related ambulance arrivals at Kingston Hospital, accounting for 17.15% of weekly activity, followed by Thursdays and Wednesdays at 14.98% and 14.32% respectively.

Bethany Ward Marketing Specialist at Access BDD, said: "The rising number of fall-related incidents requiring hospital transport highlights the urgent need to improve home safety, particularly for older adults.

"Our research shows that the majority of these incidents take place within the home, and so it's clear that more must be done to prevent accidents that are often avoidable.

"Adaptations such as stairlifts and handrails can make a big difference in reducing the risk of falls, and they help create a home environment that lets individuals maintain independence whilst staying safe. 

"As the population becomes older and fall-related injuries continue to rise, these latest figures really show why proactive home adaptations should be a priority for families, carers, and policymakers."