High falls are a common cause of death & disability. The aim of this study was to obtain an epidemiologically complete picture of all falls over a 5-year period in Edinburgh, Scotland. There were 341 patients in the study of whom 82% were male. 74% survived to hospital discharge. 63% of the total deaths appeared to be suicides. Head & chest injuries were responsible for the majority of deaths. Pelvis, limb & vertebral injuries predominated in survivors. In conclusion, prevention may be most effective method of reducing prehospital deaths. (23 refs.)