Course Details

Course Overview: Suspension trauma is a life-threatening condition that can occur when a worker is left hanging in a full-body harness after a fall or during rope access activities. Without prompt rescue and appropriate post-rescue care, suspension trauma can rapidly lead to unconsciousness and death.

This course provides learners with essential knowledge and practical guidance to recognize suspension trauma risks, plan prompt rescues, safely recover suspended victims, and manage post-rescue care until medical services arrive. Emphasis is placed on prompt rescue criteria, site-specific rescue planning, medical/EMS integration, equipment inspection, rescue system selection, and controlled practical rescue operations.

Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:

1. Explain what suspension trauma is and why prompt rescue is critical.
2. Identify early and advanced signs and symptoms of suspension trauma.
3. Define prompt rescue criteria and time-critical decision-making processes.
4. Develop and implement a written, site-specific rescue plan.
5. Distinguish between internal and external rescue options and assign rescue roles.
6. Demonstrate proper medical and EMS communication protocols.
7. Apply correct post-rescue care procedures, including patient positioning and shock management.
8. Select, inspect, and remove from service fall protection and rescue equipment.
9. Apply correct harness fitting requirements for suspension safety.
10. Evaluate and apply appropriate rescue systems and techniques.
11. Conduct practical rescue activities using approved safety controls.
12. Participate safely in live-suspension practical exercises using a Job Hazard Analysis (JHA).

Training Topics and Course Outline

Module 1: Introduction to Suspension Trauma

• Definition of suspension trauma / orthostatic intolerance
• Why suspension trauma is fatal if rescue is delayed
• Statistics and real-world incident examples
• Regulatory and industry best-practice overview

Module 2: Physiology, Signs, and Symptoms

• Blood pooling and reduced cerebral perfusion
• Early symptoms (dizziness, nausea, sweating)
• Advanced symptoms (loss of consciousness, cardiac arrest)
• Factors increasing risk (tight harness fit, inactivity, heat, health conditions)

Module 3: Prompt Rescue Criteria

• Meaning of “prompt rescue”
• Maximum acceptable hang times
• Decision-making under time pressure
• Stop-work authority and escalation triggers

Module 4: Site-Specific Rescue Planning

• Purpose of a written rescue plan
• Elements of a site-specific rescue plan:
  • Hazard identification
  • Rescue roles and responsibilities
  • Internal vs. external rescue decision criteria
  • Communication plan
  • Access and egress routes
  • Rescue equipment staging
  • Interface with Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
• Rescue plan review and drills

Module 5: Medical and EMS Integration

• When and who contacts EMS
• Information provided during emergency calls:
  • Nature of the incident
  • Location and access points
  • Number and condition of casualties
• Site access and escort for EMS
• Coordination between rescue team and EMS

Post-Rescue Care

• Primary assessment (ABCs – Airway, Breathing, Circulation)
• Victim positioning:
  • Supine or recovery position (no prolonged sitting)
• Continuous monitoring
• Treatment for shock
• Immediate transport to medical facility

Module 6: Equipment Selection, Fit, and Inspection

• Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS) components:
  • Harness
  • Lanyards / Self-Retracting Lifelines (SRLs)
  • Connectors
  • Anchors
  • Rescue kits
• Pre-use inspection checklists
• Harness fit requirements:
  • Sub-pelvic strap positioning
  • Chest strap height
  • D-ring position
• Removal-from-service criteria
• Documentation and tagging of defective equipment

Module 7: Rescue Systems and Techniques

• Rescue anchor selection and load considerations
• Forces generated during rescue
• Edge protection and rope management
• Clearance calculations
• “Raise vs. Cut” rescue decision process
• Victim packaging and control
• Dropped-object prevention
• Rescue communication protocols
• Rescue team roles:
  • Rescue Lead
  • Edge Attendant
  • Belayer / Haul Team
  • Medical Lead
  • Spotter

Module 8: Practical Safety Controls for Live Suspension

• Live-Suspension Standard Operating Procedure (SOP):
  • Maximum hang times
  • Stop words and emergency signals
  • Standby attendant requirements
  • Pre-staged rescue kits
• Practical Job Hazard Analysis (JHA)
• Required PPE:
  • Helmet
  • Gloves
  • Eye protection
• Instructor-to-student ratio:
  • Maximum 1:6 to 1:8
• Environmental and weather controls

Module 9: Roles, Responsibilities, and Competency

• Authorized climbers
• Supervisors
• Designated rescuers
• Ongoing competency, drills, and refresher training

Final Exam: 30 minutes

Method of Evaluation and Grading

Written Assessment: 25 multiple-choice questions

Practical Evaluation: Hands-on rescue exercises conducted during training

Planned Exercises and Activities

• Live-suspension rescue simulations
• Site-specific rescue plan development
• Equipment inspection and harness fitting exercises
• Team-based rescue system setup and operation
• Post-rescue victim care scenarios

Certificate Verification

After successfully completing your course, you will receive your official OSHAcademy certificate.
You can verify your certificate by clicking the following link: