Suspension trauma, also known as suspension trauma, is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that can occur if a person falls and becomes suspended in their fall arrest harness. This occurs when the body hangs freely without the legs being able to unload, leading to dangerous physiological reactions.
When a person is suspended in a harness, blood flow from the legs to the heart is reduced, which can cause a drop in blood pressure. This leads to the brain and other vital organs not receiving enough blood, which can result in unconsciousness and, in the worst case, death.
At the same time, oxygen-poor blood accumulates in the legs, which can cause swelling, oedema and muscle damage. When the pressure on the legs is released, this blood, which is full of slag products, can start circulating again and seriously damage the body.
Hanging in the harness can also compress the diaphragm, making it difficult to breathe and can lead to oxygen deprivation. In severe cases, this can cause cardiac arrhythmias that can lead to cardiac arrest if the person is not rescued quickly enough.
To avoid hanging trauma, the right equipment, training and a well thought-out rescue plan are essential. Here are some key measures:
trauma belt, also known as suspension straps, are straps that allow a person to stand in their harness and thus reduce pressure on the legs. Some harnesses have these built in, but they can also be bought separately and fitted to any full body harness.
An effective rescue plan should include a detailed description of how a rescue will be carried out, who is responsible for what tasks and what equipment is needed. The plan must also include how the person in distress will be released from the equipment and transported to safety. The rescue must be able to take place within 10 minutes to minimise the risk of serious injury.
Following these guidelines can reduce the risk of suspension trauma in the workplace, and the right measures can save lives in the event of an accident.
