b'Harness Suspension TraumaChapterSuspension trauma or orthostatic shock affects patients who are suspended within a body harness for prolonged periods (more than 10 minutes).It presents with the development of a range of symptoms that may result in unconsciousness or death.It is thought to occur as a result of low blood pressure secondary to blood pooling in the legs, pelvis and abdomen of patients who are suspended and motionless.How to recogniseFaintness, dizziness.Pale, sweaty skinNausea / vomitingShort of breathLow blood pressureUnconsciousnessHow to manageConscious patientApply DRSABCD.Call for an ambulance.If safe to do so, free the patient from the harness.Rest the patient in a position of comfort, ideally lying down,and provide reassurance. Loosen or remove harness.Look for and manage any associated injuries (if the patient mayhave fallen or been electrocuted.)Administer oxygen (6 to 8 litres per minute) if available and you are trained to do so. Keep the patient at rest, warm, comfortable and reassured.Closely monitor patient for response, airway, normal breathing while waiting for Ambulance.Unconscious patientApply DRSABCD.Call Ambulance 000.Loosen or remove the harness.Ensure the patient is in the recovery position.Carefully assess / manage any wounds.Administer Oxygen (8 litres per minute) if you are trained to do so.Closely monitor patient for response, airway, normal breathing while waiting for Ambulance. Some authorities recommend that rescuers maintain a patient in a sitting position and avoid lying them flat for 30 minutes. There is no evidence to support this practice as a treatment of suspension trauma and it may in fact be harmful. Care of the airway takes precedence over any injury.86 Bleeding'