Suspension Trauma Recovery Guide

In the event of a fall and when a person may not be able to self-rescue, the following guidelines should be followed to
minimise further injury through suspension trauma.

As soon as a fall takes place, the work at height rescue plan must be put into immediate effect and emergency services
should be contacted if specialist attention is required. (Rescue to be done within 10 minutes)

Pre Rescue Action

If able to do so, the suspended casualty should be encouraged to use the following techniques to reduce the risks from
suspension trauma:

If the person who is suspended is un-injured and is fully conscious, they should be encouraged to mobilise all
four limbs, i.e. by flexing the leg muscles, until they can be brought to a position of safety. This will help to
maintain the circulation.

Frequent pumping of the legs against a firm surface will also activate the muscles and improve blood circulation.

Post Rescue Action

Following any suspension, once the casualty has been rescued:

Wherever possible, the casualty is best managed:

o In the seated position if FULLY CONSCIOUS and MOBILE

The casualty MUST be kept in

this recovery position for AT
LEAST THIRTY minutes.

OR

If the casualty is UNCONSCIOUS, or cannot maintain a seated position, then they are best managed in an
inclined position, with the head at the highest point of the body, at about 20 degrees and steps taken to
ensure their airway is open, until the emergency services are in attendance.

The casualty MUST be kept in

this recovery position for AT
LEAST THIRTY minutes.

The casualty must NEVER be laid flat in a horizontal position after being
rescued from suspension.
Prevent the patient from trying to walk.
Advise the ambulance service that the patient needs to be treated for suspension trauma (medical term:
orthostatic shock or intolerance, which should be treated similarly to crush injuries).
ALL personnel who have been suspended in an arrested fall should be treated as a medical emergency
and immediate medical attention sought, even if they feel ok!

Document No. : THAI-4A-GQP-19-01-0019 Appendix ` 7

Revision : 3A