Posted By AGJ Hi Anyone have a generic rescue plan, I have loads of information as to what it should contain ,however dont know where to start or how comprehesive it should be. If I had a starting template I could re jig it to suite our requirements I am currently on a project involving three storey buildings new builds and refurbs,where scaffolders and some operatives require the use of harnesses, we also use MEWPs regularly, hence the need for the rescue plan Any help appreciated

Posted By Dan Malone Hi there, You should look at miller fall protection. There have a device that attaches to the harness. It allows the person to take the weight off the harness. This the is main problem with being suspended in a harness for any length of time. Compartment syndrome where the blood turns toxic and can infect other organs in the body. The item is a Miller Relief Step Safety Device. This will give some more time for the person to be rescued. http://www.millerfallpro...er/MillerCatalog2006.pdf Regards Dan

Posted By Richard Hinckley Can I suggest that you also take a look at the Rescue Genie, a bespoke remote rescue device designed specifically to tackle post fall suspension trauma. You can view at www.rescuegenie.com Regards Richard

Posted By Richard Hinckley Worth just saying that the straps can only extend the comfort and expectancy of the casualty assuming that they are concious and can actually get into them (another reason for wearing proper climbing helemts with chin straps when working at height) You still however need to give full consideration to lowering or raising the casualty, the retreival block is not always the most suitable / portable option. As we also know dialing three 9's is not either.

Posted By Dan Malone Hi all, I recommended the safety fall step above as it is a way to stop compartment syndrone in patients that have fall and are suspended. There should also be a plan to rescue the person as soon as possible. If it is a construction site, most have MEWP's or cherry-pickers there. Falling from these there is also the secondary controls on the ground. I have been informed by a colleague that the civil defense in the republic are being trained in the rescue of personal from heights. This will also include tower cranes. You don't have to fall just take ill for there to be a problem. Regards Dan

Posted By Phil Alex: Re your demonstration, dont forget its not advisable to use live casualties for training! Richard: You are quite correct, the overmarketed straps are only usefull if the casuaty is conscious. 4 day at work first aid doesnt cater for suspension trauma, quite the opposite, it can do harm. We also are V busy training Fire and Rescue services on the treatment side of things. Say Hello to Mike Clayton for me. Phil

Posted By alex mccreadie Phil appreciate your comment, and it was nice to notice nobody classed the Safety Manager as a dummy ha ha. Since I last posted I have asked for the Risk Assessments and Method Statements for this exercise and have been duly supplied. The hanging casualty is being supplied with a seat type harness to avoid suspension trauma. My main interest was that as usual at the last minute I found out it was one of our cranes that was going to be used. After reading the above documents and talking to the organisers I am now happy everything is in place. This event is being covered by the Fire Service, Ambulance service and the HSE. I would suggest that everything is in order to make it a useful and worthwhile event. Alex

Posted By Phil Alex, Its not the type of harness that brings on suspension trauma, its the fact that you are hanging immobile. In the early days before harnesses, climbers used to tie a rope round their waist / chest, and if left hanging immobile after a fall, without any other injuries, all suffered a degree of suspension trauma. Some even died. Venous pooling in the legs is a far bigger issue than the far smaller " crush " type injury that builds up toxins around the harness pinch points. Venous pooling will take place no matter what type of harness is used. When we carry out the trauma at height course for the Fire and Rescue services, we always use a dummy, the R.A wont allow anything else. The drug and fluid regime normally takes place in hospital where the casualty can be monitored for any arryhmias, and treated accordingly. Remaining upright, and not being laid down flat is your first action drill. Many Paramedics and firefighters are now getting up to speed with the problem, so the wordis getting out, slowly. If you need any more info, give me a shout Phil