Suspension trauma

[Tom Dunlap]

This is the best ST article that I've ever read. This one gives some ideas for rescuer and patient to consider.

An arbo buddy who does tower work sent this to me:

http://www.mikeholt.com/mojonewsarc...ill-Your-Safety-Harness-Kill-You~20040119.htm

Tom

 

[TheTreeSpyder]

Tom, that is excellent, thanx;

A true concern, and once again like swimming; if the head is under too long; there is a problem, seconds count.

So i say, don't swim alone; don't climb alone; the one on land should know the phone number for Nine-Eleven in either case. Adding, that in either case a phone should be right there; with the availability of cell phones.

This trauma, for all the wilde chit he does; is my buddy's Stretch's worst of fears that he expresses occassionally. He has bought a Master saddle; keeps on me to get one. He claims that it ties in to him at above his C.o.B. so he will not be up there folded forward or backward passed out, but sitting upright?

As an additional thought; if you are such a superior tough guy climber, that can't wave/nod to the crew a block from your job as you are going to; and end up compromised in the air................Who ya gonna call?

Sure, 911; actually in either case; but when seconds count............... Well, i think ya shoulda waved(and spot checked to make sure no one was raking with stereo loud while someone is hanging, bleeding upside down)!

-KC

 

[GlennG]

Thanks Tom ,

I was unaware that this can happen. Sure makes me see the point for two climbers on every crew.

Glenn

 

[MasterBlaster]

Thats one of the reasons I was so interested earlier in the Petzl Navaho - the sternal dee.

Too bad the saddle sucked.

 

[SilverBlue]

Thanks for posting Tom, it’s been a while since the issue was raised, I’m gonna save this one.

 

[Hemlock]

For me a figure 8 loop around my back and chest connected in front from sternum to saddle with a short piece of chain works good. The chain allows me to clip in anywhere to adjust pressure or change hanging angles easily. I learned it from the second edition of Rappelling by Tom Martin. Probably old shool and out of date by now but it sure beats trying to find the perfect harness when you can make it yourself.

 

[MasterBlaster]

Gotta pic, Hemlock?

 

[Hemlock]

Sorry but I don't have a digital camera or whatever it takes to do that. I've seen the drawings on other threads and could probably draw it or explain it over the phone if anyone wants to try it. Can anyone give me a quick drawing lesson on win98 and I'll give it a try.

 

[jamie]

rescue techniques

my boss has just put 3 of us through an emergancy first aid course, and im keen to get him to shut down for a half or full day so that we can practice aerial rescue, it may never need to be applied but its handy to know that you can be rescued should you have to be

id also like to see everyone else doing it


jamie

 

[Menchhofer]

Good article. Did not realize susupension for such a short period of time had such adverse effect on the bod.

 

[Crofter]

Excellent article.

I have had fall arrest training on many occasions and was told that you could die if not recovered in 15 minutes, but in all honesty most people poo- poohed this as mere scare tactics. That is the first explanation I have had as to the mechanics of the problem. Thanx!

Frank

 

[Curtis James]

When I first got out of the service I was an iron worker for awhile before I could get back into the trees. we watched fall protection videos on did some training and their harnesses fit alot differently then our saddles. with a decelerating device clipped to your back, when one falls you are almost leaning forward a little. as stated before the pressure on the inner thigh is emense. Smashing ones package and chaffing the crotch. The feeling is completally different. It is good to know about but highly unlikely to occure during our line of work. unless of course The loss of conciousness does happen for some reason. then i guess we know to get them down asap anyway! Definetally good to know!

 

[NeTree]

I've never heard of it before. Sounds like a rare, but serious problem. Scary to see what can happen!

 

[Menchhofer]

I would think the parachute harness fits similar to a fall arrest.

So would this be a problem for parachutists (sp)? I have heard sometimes they hang for hours from a tree until they could be rescued.

Just a thought.

 

[NeTree]

Somewhat. i just don't recall ever hearing about this condition.

Although I remember quite well what happens when you lock your knees to stand at attention for long periods. I'm guessing the mechanism is similiar?