Open Data

Fall Prevention

What comes to mind when you hear fire department?

Gilbert Fire Department symbol

Most of us probably picture raging flames and billowing smoke.

You may be surprised to learn that the most common call Gilbert Fire & Rescue responds to doesn’t involve flames or smoke…

It is for an older person who fell.

Not a dramatic fall, either. Tripping over a rug. Wearing improper footwear. Slipping on a wet floor.

These are ordinary moments that, for a growing number of Gilbert residents, end in a 911 call.

Gilbert Fire & Rescue fire truck

Behind these calls are real consequences.

Broken hips. Lengthy recoveries. And, especially for older adults, a turning point in independence and health.

Every year, about 1 in 4 older adults experiences a fall.

Illustration of four people, one highlighted in red, representing that 1 in 4 older adults experiences a fall each year

In 2020 alone, the problem affected over 330,000 Arizonans.

That’s more than the entire population of Gilbert last year.

330,000 (Number of older adult falls in AZ, 2020). 294,689 (Total population of Gilbert, 2025).

For years, falls among older adults have been the most common service call for Gilbert Fire & Rescue.

The Town has numerous assisted living facilities, and GFRD was responding to hundreds of calls from them each year. GFRD tried offering trainings using the popular evidence-based program A Matter of Balance, but its limits on participants couldn't keep up with the demand. So they created something new...

“Take Your Time, You’ve Earned It.”

This program, designed by Gilbert Fire staff, involves visits to assisted living facilities. While there, firefighters teach residents and staff about fall prevention.

The goals of the program include:

Goal 1: Safety

SAFETY

This program was designed to teach older adults how avoid falling, and to teach caretakers how to manage falls when they occur.

Goal 2: Relationships

RELATIONSHIPS

GFRD wanted to build connections with assisted living facilities across Gilbert, and to establish trust with residents and caretakers.

Goal 3: Mission

MISSION

This program aligns with Gilbert Fire & Rescue’s mission to provide “innovative prevention, compliance, and community outreach efforts.”

Gilbert Fire & Rescue staff presenting to residents at an assisted living facility

What have the results been?

To measure the effectiveness of “Take Your Time, You’ve Earned It,” Gilbert Fire & Rescue gathered fall data from each facility 180 days before and 180 days after their visit.

Here’s what the data shows:

Overall, the participating facilities saw a 25.2% decrease in falls following these trainings.

Gilbert Fire & Rescue staff standing together wearing Gilbert Fire & Rescue shirts

And the work continues.

If you are an older adult or someone who provides care for an older adult, the following steps can help prevent falls:

Monitor the living space for trip hazards like cords. Consider medication side effects like drowsiness or dizziness. Make sure the living space is well lit. Use mobility aids when needed. Get routine eye exams and, if necessary, corrective measures. Take your time when going from a sitting to a standing position.

If you have questions, or for more information, visit GFRD’s Fall Prevention page and AZStopFalls.org.