Alfred Health News

More than 500 Victorians have needed medical care at The Alfred after falling from ladders since 2012 - prompting doctors to highlight the dangers of climbing onto this common household tool.

Current data shows these accidents can be devastating, with one-in-four falls causing serious injury or, even, death.

The significance of these numbers is further supported by a recently released Alfred-first study that looked at patients who fell from ladders between 2007 and 2011 - and required time in the intensive care unit.  It studied severity of injury and clinical outcome.

Principal study investigator and Senior Clinical Trauma Research Fellow, Dr Helen Ackland, said of the 150 major trauma patients admitted during the five year period who had fallen from ladders, ICU management was required in 39 per cent of cases and 15 of these patients died in hospital from their injuries.

"Significant head injury was evident in 55 per cent of cases and 47 per cent of patients sustained spinal injuries," Dr Ackland said.

Over the five years, prevalence of ICU admissions in this group of patients increased by 67 per cent.

"The increase in ladder falls is a disturbing trend, particularly given the likelihood of serious injuries or mortality," Dr Ackland added. 

"Most who fall from ladders suffer minor injuries, but those who suffer major trauma often have a long road of recovery ahead and sometimes sustain injuries that will affect them for the rest of their lives.

"We expect, with the impending retirement of the baby boomer generation, that we will see a further increase in ladder fall injuries, which is why we want to highlight the dangers."

For tips on ladder safety, click here.