Call...don't fall.

Caution: Fall Alert

You certainly can't question Fairfax Hospital's commitment to its practices.  A couple of weeks ago, I showed up at the hospital after work and was face to face with a big red sign reading "Caution - Fall Alert" on Lisa's door.  Its pretty much universally understood that falling is not good if you're old or you're pregnant.  Lisa is looking very pregnant these days, and getting around certainly isn't as easy as it used to be.  Fearing the worst, I opened the door and asked Lisa if she had fallen during the day.  Thankfully she hadn't.

One of the medicines that Lisa is taking is a blood thinner that can cause dizziness.  The nurses on 6 East had decided to launch an aggressive "campaign" against patient falls.  As a result, the "Fall Alert" signs went up on a number of doors around the floor.  Every time a nurse came in, they reminded Lisa that they were just a phone call away.  Clever signs with phrases such as "Call, Don't Fall" were placed around the room as a subtle reminder.

Additionally, Lisa is now required to wear non-slip socks to prevent her from doing a Freddy Flintstone across the floor on her way to the bathroom.  They look like army-issue, and from across the room the top and bottom look more like tank tread than socks.  I've seen less tread on truck tires.  You could run track in these things.  She was getting a new pack every day, which was fine by me...less laundry that I had to do!

I know I poke fun at the nurses and their policies, but I am happy to know they do care and are trying to do everything they can to keep Lisa and Payton safe.  The signs are great, even if they did scare me to death the first time I saw them.  Its comforting to know that the "Fall" police are on duty, because I know my wife, and how she likes to get a running start and "Risky Business" it across the floor.