“Help, I’ve fallen and I can’t get up.”

Did you see the video of Ruth, the geriatric elephant who fell over at the Milwaukee Zoo and couldn’t get up?

Most of us are familiar with a similar commercial about the lady who fell down and was unable to get up. This, unfortunately, is a reality that many of my clients have had — they were injured and/or too weak to get up after falling and only survived because a neighbor or family member checked on them. Ruth, too, was lucky enough to receive a little bit of help from a zoo employee driving a front-loader stuffed with hay.

Falling can be frightening, but being prepared can make all the difference. Whether it’s a simple stumble or something more serious, the key is making sure you can reach help quickly. Many people now use safety alert buttons—small wearable devices that connect you directly to trained responders at the press of a button or are alerted because of the sensor that detects a sudden change in position. Others rely on cell phones kept in a pocket or a smartwatch with built-in emergency features. These tools give peace of mind that if you fall, you won’t be left waiting and wondering.

The goal is to make it as easy as possible for someone to know you need assistance. Here are a few practical options (not all of which require technology):

• Wear a medical alert device with a safety alert button you can press anytime and has sensors that detect falls.

• Keep a cell phone in your pocket or within arm’s reach, even at home.

• Use a smartwatch with an SOS or fall-detection feature.

• Call out loudly or knock on the floor or wall to get a neighbor’s attention.

• Use nearby objects (like banging a cane or tapping something metal) to make noise.

• Set up daily check-ins with family, friends, or neighbors so someone notices quickly if you need help.

With a little planning and the right tools, a fall doesn’t have to mean being stuck. Safety alert buttons, smart devices, and backup plans can ensure help is always within reach—and that peace of mind is just as valuable as the protection itself.