Question 1

Should a casualty who reports feeling fine after being arrested by a harness still be evaluated medically once recovered?

Accepted Answer

Yes - the casualty should always be evaluated for possible injury or delayed suspension trauma effects after being brought down, regardless of how they feel Suspension trauma and internal injuries from arrest forces are not always immediately apparent to the casualty; post-rescue medical evaluation is a standard step even when the person seems unharmed.

Question 2

What are the three broad categories a height-work rescue plan should cover, in increasing order of how much external help is needed?

Accepted Answer

Self-rescue, assisted (mechanically aided) rescue, and fully assisted rescue Self-rescue relies on the worker's own capability (e.g. a descent device); assisted/mechanically aided rescue uses a rope/haul system operated by colleagues; fully assisted rescue is needed when the casualty cannot participate at all.

Question 3

Why is using fall-arrest equipment WITHOUT a corresponding rescue capability considered unacceptable, even if the equipment itself functions correctly?

Accepted Answer

Because surviving the initial fall means nothing if the worker then dies of suspension trauma while waiting for help that was never planned A harness that arrests a fall but has no rescue plan behind it converts an immediate fall risk into a slower, equally fatal suspension trauma risk. Rescue planning is what makes fall-arrest equipment a complete safety system.