What should you do if a resident begins to fall?

When a resident begins to fall, the appropriate response involves trying to gently lower them to the ground while protecting their head. This approach is critical for ensuring the resident's safety and minimizing the risk of injury. By guiding the resident down with support, you can help control the fall, potentially preventing them from hitting the ground hard, which may lead to serious injuries such as fractures or concussions.

Additionally, protecting the head is particularly important since head injuries can have serious consequences. By utilizing proper techniques, such as positioning your body to absorb some of the impact or using your arm to cushion their head, you are taking the right steps to safeguard the individual.

In contrast, stepping back and letting the resident fall does not provide any assistance in preventing injury. Attempting to catch a resident in mid-air can also result in harm to both the resident and yourself, as the odds of successfully catching someone falling are slim. Scream for help might alert others, but it does not address the immediate need for support and protection during the fall. All in all, directing the resident safely to the ground while ensuring head protection is the most responsible and effective action to take in such a situation.