Suspension trauma (Syn. "orthostatic shock while suspended") , also known as harness hang syndrome (HHS) , or orthostatic incompetence is an effect which occurs when the human body is held upright without any movement for a period of time. If the person is strapped into a harness or tied to an upright object they will eventually suffer the Central Ischaemic Response (commonly known as fainting). If one faints but remains vertical, one risks death due to one's brain not receiving the oxygen it requires. People at risk of suspension trauma include people using industrial harnesses (fall arrest systems, abseiling systems, confined space systems), people using harnesses for sporting purposes (caving, climbing, parachuting, etc), stunt performers, circus performers, and so on.
In a 2006 article on the Crucifixion of Jesus, Phillip Bishop and physiologist Brian Church suggest that suspension trauma is a cause of death in crucifixion.
Prevention
Prevention of suspension trauma is preferable to dealing with its consequences. Specific recommendations for individuals doing technical ropework are to avoid exhausting themselves so much that they end up without the energy to keep moving, and making sure everyone in a group is trained in single rope rescue techniques, especially the single rope pickoff, a rather difficult technical maneuver that must be practiced frequently for smooth performance. If someone is stranded in a harness, but is not unconscious or injured, and has something to kick against or stand on (such as a rock ledge or caving leg-loops) it is helpful for them to use their leg muscles by pushing against it every so often, to keep the blood pumping back to the torso. If the person is stranded in mid-air or is exhausted, then keeping the legs moving can be both beneficial and rather dangerous. On the one hand, exercising the leg muscles will keep the blood returning to the torso, but on the other hand, as the movements become weaker the leg muscles will continue to demand blood yet they will become much less effective at returning it to the body, and the moment the victim ceases moving their legs, the blood will immediately start to pool. "Pedaling an imaginary bicycle" should only be used as a last-ditch effort to prolong consciousness, because as soon as the "pedaling" stops, fainting will shortly follow. If it is impossible to rescue someone immediately, then it is necessary to raise their legs to a sitting position, which can be done with a loop of rigging tape behind the knees or specialized equipment from a rescue kit.
When rescuing a victim it is paramount to let the blood flow to the brain and heart. A suspended victim is more likely to be injured by not raising their legs when rescuing. No change in ABC management should be undertaken based on the above theoretical risk of suspension trauma. The British Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has done an extensive review of this topic 2009 which contradicts it's earlier statement 2002.
See also
- Orthostatic intolerance
References
- ^ Seddon P.: Harness suspension: review and evaluation of existing information . In: Health and Safety Executive - CONTRACT RESEARCH REPORT 451/2002, page 3, hier online
- ^ Catholic Medical Association, Linacre Quarterly, August 2006.
- ^ http://www.hse.gov.uk/falls/harness.htm
External links
Harness suspension: review and evaluation of existing information
Harness Hang Syndrome:
First aid management for harness suspension when ...
HSE confirms that no change should be made to the standard first aid guidance for the post recovery of a semi conscious or unconscious person in a horizontal position, even if the ...
CRR 2002/451 Harness suspension: review and evaluation ...
HSE Health & Safety Executive Harness suspension: review and evaluation of existing information Paul Seddon 1 Cavendish Court Warehouse Hill Marsden Huddersfield HD7 6AB A personal fall ...
Suspension Trauma/Orthostatic Intolerance
Suspension Trauma. Training handout. Weems, Bill and Bishop, Phil. Will Your Safety Harness Kill You? Occupational Health & Safety. 72(3): 86-88, 90, March, 2003.
Suspension trauma - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Suspension trauma (Syn. "orthostatic shock while suspended") [1], also known as harness hang syndrome (HHS), or orthostatic incompetence is an effect which occurs when the human body ...
Underwood Training Ltd :: First Aid Training in Leeds ...
The HSE clarified guidance on the first aid management of a person who is suspended in a harness who may develop “suspension trauma”. This follows completion of an evidence ...
Suspension Systems for Powered Paragliding & Paramotors
Understanding Harness (Suspension) Systems Harness Terminology: How the Harness and frame interact to provide a hook-in point. Harness Adjusting | Hang ...
Klein OPE Catalog
Harnesses 27 Fall-Arrest/Suspension Harnesses Fall-arrest D-ring with roller. Drop-forged circle D-ring has corrosion-resistant finish, wear-minimizing roller and is proof-loaded to meet ...
Corbeau: 42-Inch Baja Bench
Corbeau, the number one supplier of seats, seat brackets, and harness belts for street, race, off road, and more.
Suspension bondage - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Harness hang syndrome appears to relate to suspension with the legs below the heart, as in the case when someone is suspended in a standing position, with no weight on their legs.
Klein Occupational Protective Equipment - Fall-Arrest ...
Klein Occupational Protective Equipment - Fall-Arrest / Suspension Harness for sale at discount prices