rcwild
04-11-2004, 09:41 PM
Submitted by Dick Shear
I recently attended a demo of fall harnesses used in industrial applications like high scaffold work, etc. The harnesses were full body and the point of connection was in the upper back, so you could work unobstructed. What interested me, as a recreational canyoneer, is that they gave specific instructions should you take a fall. Fall victims were told to immediately reach back and pull their leg straps slightly forward. This is due to severe restriction of arteries in the leg-groin area. Apparently fall victims who are saved by their harness tend to simply sit and wait for rescue to come and get them down. It seems to me that if you are seated for any length of time in a harness, it is wise to re-adjust the leg loops and allow normal circulation to flow and avoid sending toxic blood to the heart.
Regards, Dick Shear Mojave Chapter, ACA
I recently attended a demo of fall harnesses used in industrial applications like high scaffold work, etc. The harnesses were full body and the point of connection was in the upper back, so you could work unobstructed. What interested me, as a recreational canyoneer, is that they gave specific instructions should you take a fall. Fall victims were told to immediately reach back and pull their leg straps slightly forward. This is due to severe restriction of arteries in the leg-groin area. Apparently fall victims who are saved by their harness tend to simply sit and wait for rescue to come and get them down. It seems to me that if you are seated for any length of time in a harness, it is wise to re-adjust the leg loops and allow normal circulation to flow and avoid sending toxic blood to the heart.
Regards, Dick Shear Mojave Chapter, ACA