When working at heights, we must know that there is always a risk of having a "fall from height". A distraction or a simple stumble can mean a fall of several meters and your body will be suspended from the harness.
To minimize the impact on our body, it is vital that we are rescued as soon as possible, because if we do not act quickly, a height accident can have fatal results.
WHAT IS HARNESS SUSPENSION TRAUMA?
When we are suspended from a harness, either from the dorsal or frontal point, blood circulation is compromised in the groin area. The longer we stay in this situation, the worse the consequences. This symptomatic picture is what is known as harness suspension trauma (HST or Harness Suspension Trauma) or intolerance to suspension.
No matter how healthy we are, if several minutes pass without relieving the pressure of the harness, we will continue to be at risk. We can minimize the effect of HST using anti-trauma slings tied from the harness to support the legs and release some of the groin pressure, but we will still need to be rescued soon.
If after the fall we do not move and remain suspended, between the first 3 and 20 minutes we will experience symptoms such as loss of strength or even loss of consciousness.
FIRST AID AFTER A FALL FROM HEIGHT
After a fall from height, the entire team involved must follow the rescue plan marked by the protocol. However, here are some first aid tips that will surely be useful in cases of falls from height.
- Notify the emergency teams to not lose a minute.
- Make sure you are not putting yourself at risk.
- Keep the suspended worker conscious, try to calm them down and find out their state of health.
- Rescue the victim and place them on the ground, making sure to do it safely.
- Untie or remove the harness from the victim.
- Place the victim in a comfortable position.
- Analyze possible damage or let the emergency services do their job (injuries, obstruction of airways, cardiac function, etc.).
- Take unconscious victims or those who have been exposed to harness suspension trauma for a long time to the hospital.
Remember never to lose your calm, as it is the best way to help a colleague who is suffering from harness suspension trauma.