HSE Recommendations For Suspension Trauma

HSE Recommendations For Suspension Trauma

Following completion of evidence based review of published medical literature; HSE has clarified guidance on the first aid management of a person falling into suspension in a harness who may develop 'suspension trauma'.

The key recommendations are:

• 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 subject of prior harness suspension.
• No change should be made to the standard UK first aid guidance of ABC management, even if the subject of prior harness suspension.
• A casualty who is experiencing pre-syncopal symptoms or who is unconscious whilst suspended in a harness should be rescued as soon as is safely possible.
• If the rescuer is unable to immediately release a conscious casualty from a suspended position, elevation of the legs by the casualty or rescuer where safely possible may prolong tolerance
  of suspension.
• First responders to persons in harness suspension should be able to recognise the symptoms of
  pre-syncope.