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6018ac999bd8f627f85dd438 ARC Harness Hang Syndrome

This guideline addresses suspension trauma, a condition resulting from prolonged suspension in a harness, which can lead to symptoms such as faintness, breathlessness, and unconsciousness. First aid management includes calling for an ambulance, loosening or removing the harness, and monitoring the victim's signs of life. The guideline emphasizes that maintaining a sitting position is not supported by evidence and may be harmful.

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Eduardo Rodrigues
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9 views2 pages

6018ac999bd8f627f85dd438 ARC Harness Hang Syndrome

This guideline addresses suspension trauma, a condition resulting from prolonged suspension in a harness, which can lead to symptoms such as faintness, breathlessness, and unconsciousness. First aid management includes calling for an ambulance, loosening or removing the harness, and monitoring the victim's signs of life. The guideline emphasizes that maintaining a sitting position is not supported by evidence and may be harmful.

Uploaded by

Eduardo Rodrigues
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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AUSTRALIAN RESUSCITATION COUNCIL

GUIDELINE 9.1.5

HARNESS SUSPENSION TRAUMA – FIRST AID MANAGEMENT

INTRODUCTION

Suspension trauma, or orthostatic shock, has been reported to affect victims who are
suspended within a body harness for a prolonged period of time (5 to 30 minutes).1,2 It
presents with the development of a range of symptoms which may result in unconsciousness
or death, and is thought to occur as a result of low blood pressure secondary to blood pooling
in the legs, pelvis and abdomen of victims who are suspended and motionless.

RECOGNITION

The signs and symptoms of suspension trauma are the same to those of shock. Suspension
trauma should be considered where the victim has been suspended by a harness for a
prolonged period, and are exhibiting any of the following:3

 faintness
 breathlessness
 sweating
 paleness
 nausea
 dizziness
 low blood pressure
 unconsciousness

MANAGEMENT

 Call for an ambulance (Dial Triple Zero - 000)


 If unconscious, manage as per ARC Basic Life Support flow chart (Guideline 8)
 Rest the conscious victim in a position of comfort, ideally lying down, and provide
reassurance
 Loosen or remove harness
 Administer oxygen if available
 Look for and manage associated injuries in all victims, but particularly victims who may
have fallen or been electrocuted.
 Monitor the signs of life at frequent intervals

Guideline 9.1.5 Page 1 of 2


July 2009
AUSTRALIAN RESUSCITATION COUNCIL
Some agencies recommend that rescuers maintain victims in a sitting position and avoid
lying them flat for 30 minutes. There is no evidence to support this practice as a
treatment of suspension trauma and it may be harmful. Care of the airway takes
precedence over any injury.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Consensus Expert Opinion

CLASS OF RECOMMENDATION

Class A - Recommended

REFERENCE

1. Turner N.L., Wassell J.T., Whisler R., Zwiener J. Suspension tolerance in a full-body
safety harness, and a prototype harness accessory. [Evaluation Studies. Journal Article]
Journal of Occupational & Environmental Hygiene. 5(4):227-31, 2008.
2. Lee C., Porter K.M. Suspension trauma. [Journal Article. Review. Emergency Medicine
Journal. 24(4):237-8, 2007.
3. Adish A., Robinson L., Codling A., Harris-Roberts J., Lee C., Porter K. Evidence based
review of the current guidance on first aid measures for suspension trauma. Health and
Safety Executive. Research Report RR708. May 2009.
http://www.hse.gov.uk/research/rrpdf/rr708.pdf

FURTHER READING

ARC Guideline 3 Unconsciousness


ARC Guideline 4 Airway
ARC Guideline 8 Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
ARC Guideline 9.1.6 Management of Suspected Spinal Injury
ARC Guideline 9.2.3 Shock

Guideline 9.1.5 Page 2 of 2


July 2009
AUSTRALIAN RESUSCITATION COUNCIL

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