What is Suspension Trauma?

What is Suspension Trauma?

Suspension trauma is a serious medical condition, also known as harness-induced pathology, orthostatic intolerance, or suspension syndrome, which occurs in the event of a fall while working with a safety harness. In technical literature, it can also be referred to as harness hang syndrome or simply post-fall fainting.

This condition can occur even if the worker remains suspended at height for only a short period of time after a fall. It is triggered by the accumulation of blood in the legs (venous pooling) due to the effect of gravity, which reduces blood flow to the heart and brain. If prompt action is not taken, it leads to severe injuries, organ failure, and even loss of life.

What Are the Symptoms of Suspension Trauma?

The main symptoms frequently observed on personnel after the onset of suspension trauma are as follows:

  • Consciousness and Perception: Faintness, nausea, breathlessness, severe dizziness, sweating, and loss of consciousness.

  • Cardiovascular Changes: Abnormally low or high heart rate, and abnormally low blood pressure.

  • Physical Appearance: Pale skin, graying of the skin, sudden hot flashes, and loss of vision.

Emergency Intervention and Precautions in Case of Suspension

It is highly recommended for the suspended person to move their legs (such as a pedaling motion) while hanging in the air after a fall in order to ensure blood is pumped and prevent venous pooling. The suspended personnel must be intervened in as quickly as possible.

Critical Application Principles:

  • Time Limit: In works carried out with rope access techniques, a work seat must be used if the operation is to last more than 30 minutes.

  • Rescue Preparation: Prior to the rescue operation, a cervical collar must be fitted, considering that the personnel may have collided with surrounding physical obstacles.

  • Circulation Control: Blood circulation disorders that occur in personnel suspended for a long time can lead to fatal consequences within minutes if not intervened in correctly and on time.

AR-20 Suspension Trauma Strap Features

The AR-20 Suspension Trauma Strap manufactured by ARGA SAFETY has been specially developed to enable the user to stand on their feet after a fall with a safety harness. This equipment is designed to balance blood pressure that may build up in the legs.

  • Preventative Function: While waiting to be rescued, it helps the suspended personnel pump blood upwards by tensing leg muscles and significantly reduces the risk of suspension trauma.

  • Universal Compatibility: It can be easily attached and used on all fall arrest harnesses available on the market.

  • Quick Access: It is extremely fast and easy to use in a crisis situation; it has a structure that the personnel can deploy on their own.

Suspension trauma is one of the most silent and dangerous risks of working at height. You can contact ARGA SAFETY experts to get more information about technical equipment and your rescue plans.