More than 100 South Australians require an ambulance after a fall every day, prompting a new trial that will bring paramedics and allied health professionals directly into people’s homes to help prevent further falls and unnecessary hospital visits.
The seven-week initiative, which began on Monday, October 19th, is designed to help older South Australians remain safe and independent at home while reducing pressure on the state’s ambulance services and emergency departments.
Delivered by SA Ambulance Service (SAAS) and the Central Adelaide Local Health Network (CALHN), the Falls Co-Response trial pairs a paramedic with either a physiotherapist or occupational therapist to attend suitable patients following a Triple Zero (000) call.
While the paramedic assesses and treats immediate medical concerns, the allied health professional examines potential causes of the fall, including mobility issues, hazards around the home and whether additional equipment or support is required.
The aim is to address the underlying risks before another fall occurs, rather than focusing solely on the immediate incident.
Falls currently account for around 13 per cent of SA Ambulance Service’s workload, making them one of the most common reasons older South Australians need emergency assistance.
The risk of repeat incidents is significant. Analysis of patients within the Central Adelaide Local Health Network catchment found that 41 per cent of people aged over 65 who were not transported to hospital following a fall in 2025 had another ambulance presentation within the following 12 months.
Under the new trial, the specialist team will assess each patient’s circumstances and determine whether hospital treatment, community-based care or further support services are most appropriate.
Eligible patients can also be referred directly to CALHN’s existing Falls Assessment Clinic for follow-up assessments addressing mobility, home safety, equipment needs and other health concerns.
Minister for Health and Wellbeing Blair Boyer said, “Our hospitals and ambulance services are under increasing pressure as we care for a growing and ageing population, and we need to keep finding smarter ways to deliver care closer to home.
“Falls are one of the most common reasons older South Australians call an ambulance, and too often they become the start of a cycle of repeat presentations and declining independence.
“This trial allows us to intervene earlier, identify risks before they escalate, and connect people with the support they need to remain safe and well at home.”
The dedicated team will operate from Adelaide Ambulance Station in Mile End, travelling in a light response vehicle rather than a conventional ambulance.
The service will run seven days a week between 6:30am and 4:30pm throughout the pilot, which concludes on December 6th.
Patients requiring a standard ambulance response or hospital treatment will continue to receive appropriate emergency care, with the specialist team only dispatched to people assessed as suitable for the trial.
SA Ambulance Service Chief Executive Officer Rob Elliott said, “Falls represent one of our most frequent callouts. For older people, a single fall can unfortunately trigger a challenging cycle of recurrent falls and ambulance presentations.
“Even though we’re starting small with a seven-week pilot, this early-intervention approach has the potential to make a big difference by reducing the risk of further falls with more serious consequences.”
The pilot is jointly funded by The Hospital Research Foundation Group, CALHN and SAAS.
With an ageing population placing increasing demand on South Australia’s health system, the trial will explore whether providing specialist care at home can help reduce repeated ambulance callouts, emergency department visits and hospital admissions.
The Falls Co-Response trial will operate across metropolitan Adelaide until December 6th.
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