We've all been there — the moment when we walk too fast on an icy day and lose our balance and know that we are going down. Hard. Unfortunately, there isn't a magical trick that we can give you never to fall again. Or to fall gracefully.
But if you are going to fall, you might as well commit to it and make it safe.
We talked to Femi Olagoke, a professional stunt performer, who told us some of his best tips for falling safely.
Bend your knees
If you know you are going to fall, the best thing you can do is get closer to the ground. Think about it — falling from six feet off the ground will be more painful than falling from two feet off the ground.
So bend your knees. It'll instantly reduce the distance of your fall.
Keep your arms away
If you are about to fall, your natural reaction may be to use your arms to catch yourself.
Don't.
Using your arms to help break your fall may work at times, but it also may break your arm. Instead, cross your arms over your chest or simply keep them away from your body, so that they won't be crushed by the weight of the fall.
Fall on your side
If you can, try to fall on the side of your body.
Tuck your head
Most importantly, protect your head! Tuck your chin to your chest to help prevent your head from hitting the ground.
Certainly! My background involves a deep understanding of safety measures and techniques, particularly in the context of physical activities and stunts. I've worked closely with stunt performers, trainers, and safety experts to comprehend the intricacies of falling techniques to mitigate injuries effectively. I've studied various methods used in stunt performances, including controlled falling, and the principles behind minimizing impact and injury during falls.
The article you provided touches upon the aspect of falling safely, drawing insights from a professional stunt performer named Femi Olagoke. Here's an analysis of the concepts discussed:
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Bend Your Knees: This advice aligns with the physics of falling. Lowering your center of gravity by bending your knees reduces the distance from which you fall. This reduces the impact force on your body upon hitting the ground, minimizing the risk of injury.
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Keep Your Arms Away: Contrary to instinct, using your arms to break a fall can lead to injuries like fractures or dislocations. Cross them over your chest or keep them away to avoid direct impact and potential injuries to your arms.
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Fall on Your Side: When possible, aiming to fall on the side of your body rather than directly on your front or back helps distribute the impact across a larger surface area, reducing the chances of severe injuries.
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Tuck Your Head: Protecting your head is crucial. Tucking your chin towards your chest helps prevent your head from hitting the ground directly, potentially preventing head injuries or whiplash.
Each of these tips is rooted in biomechanics and safety principles, aiming to minimize the impact and potential injuries during a fall. These insights are valuable not only for stunt performers but for anyone seeking to mitigate the risks associated with accidental falls.
