Open AccessSuspension Trauma
Author(s) -
Richard H. Drew
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
canadian journal of emergency nursing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2563-2655
pISSN - 2293-3921
DOI - 10.29173/cjen18
Subject(s) - harm , medical emergency , occupational safety and health , legislation , medicine , work (physics) , business , health care , operations management , forensic engineering , engineering , psychology , political science , pathology , law , social psychology , mechanical engineering
Fall harnesses have become much more prevalent for those that work at heights. Safety harnesses and fall arrest systems are commonly used by the construction industry, mountain climbers and other recreational activities where fall risks are a concern. Through the efforts of occupational health and safety legislation, job site safety programming and workplace harm reduction culture, there is a growing understanding of how and when to don these safety devices and the potential perils associated with their use. However, there is a paucity of information within the healthcare community in how to clinically manage a patient who has suffered a pattern of injury that can arise from these devices - known as suspension trauma. This condition may also be termed as harness-induced pathology, orthostatic shock while suspended and harness hang syndrome. This article helps to increase awareness and understanding of what suspension trauma is and how to pragmatically manage this condition from both a prehospital and emergency department perspective.