Suspension Trauma

Training for those at risk

Clearly everyone at risk of suspension trauma should be aware of what it is, how to prevent it and what to do in an emergency. Typical user groups include:-

• Industrial climbers, abseilers, rope access and fall arrest harness users
• Climbers, cavers, parachutists and parascenders
• Stunt professionals
• Theatrical and circus flying system operators and performers
• Professional and amateur performance artists and practitioners working with human suspension and bondage
• Mountain and cave rescue teams
• Military and special forces operatives using abseil or helicopter access systems

In addition, those who may be called in to handle a suspension incident need training in what medical and rescue procedures to use, and importantly what NOT to do. They should be aware of the information on our treatment pages and how to apply it safely. Normal First Aid, EMT and even paramedic training does not include suspension trauma, and what they know about 'fainting' can be dangerous as they will want to lie the patient flat. It is often up to the worker or his colleagues to advise medical staff as to what to do.

At-risk users should plan their work with suspension trauma in mind. Trying to avoid it in the first place is all-important, and so people planning jobs need to be mindful of the risks of accidents, how and when a worker could be placed in suspension, and how long it will take for them to be rescued. The critical things for workers to remember are:-

1. Hanging immobile in suspension is a life-threatening emergency
2. You must never work in suspension unless you are sitting on a workseat or actively using your legs
3. If someone falls into suspension and cannot be rescued, lifting their knees into a sitting position is very important and may save their life
4. When rescuing someone, avoid them laying flat on the ground. Keep them sitting up for 30 minutes
5. Explain all this to the emergency services, paramedics or hospital doctors - most will not know it

If you are working in the EU, then your national version of the EU Temporary Work at Height Directive makes it law that you plan for, and educate your workers in, the risks of suspension trauma. You also have to have effective and fully trained rescue plans and equipment in place for all work.

Submenu:

• Powerpoint File A PPT 2000/2003 training presentation (466kb) 

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