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Many years ago,a work colleague fell and dangled in his harness for almost five hours before he was found. He lost one leg from the get-go and seven years later,lost the other from the knee down because of bad circulation from the damage the accident caused. Just this past summer,he passed from a coronary embolism caused by a blood clot after dealing with severe Phlebitis since his last surgery. Since he had the accident,I've made it a point to stay solidly on the ground.
"Many years ago,a work colleague fell and dangled in his harness for almost five hours before he was found. He lost one leg from the get-go and seven years later,lost the other from the knee down because of bad circulation from the damage the accident caused."
It's called 'suspension trauma'. Construction workers have died hanging in their harness, when not rescued in time. You could literally die feet from the ground, if you have no way to quickly free yourself. Something to plan for.
Don.
I am new to tree hunting. but I am trained in construction fall arrest for work.
another issue that can arise if you fall is what's called de-gloving, when your leg straps are too loose in a fall situation they move up over your testicles and remove the skin from them. they showed us pictures which have stuck in my brain more than any other element of any of my safety training.
don't forget to make sure your leg straps are tight enough!!
I had my first fall after many years in/out of a treesstands on Monday. On all of my climbers and store bought stands I secure with a rope and harness, but for some stupid reason when it comes to one wood platform and ladder stand i have I don't ... no reason for it ... just stupidity on my part in thinking the nice cedar wood ladder is somehow not worthy of falling from. Mon morning second rung from the top gave way and I landed squarely at the base of the tree. I am lucky, I got the wind knocked out of me, a bruised elbow and ribs and a sore tail bone. I should know better and feel pretty stupid for having it happen, but if your not using a restraint device ... stay on the ground. I for one have learned my lesson the hard way and will always tie off no matter how secure or low to the ground the stand is!
I always use a harness and I tie in once on the stand. I haven't used a climbing technique to keep me safe while I climb. you're post Doug has me reconsidering. I'll check out the websites.
Dan O.
Good advice
The furthest I'd fall, is off my turkey seat !!!!
I don't hunt turkey's, but by god I've fallen off a chair a few times at camp? :oQuote:
Originally Posted by rick_iles
Found out a couple of years ago at a training for work, they make straps with loops that attach to your harness that when released they hang down below your knees and you can pick up your weight till help arrives.Quote:
Originally Posted by zoli 16ga.
Dan, (and others) consider this, the lifeline is the cost of a case of beer, what cost do you put on your life as it is today? As Mike stated, every fall people have life changing accidents while hunting, local guy paralyzed.Quote:
Originally Posted by DanO
As for the other comments, yes I should probably change the line/rope on which I fell, I have a spare in the garage. The leg/foot strap would be on the harness/vest, I do not have them; but should look into a vest that does, in the meantime there is a knife on my left shoulder strap... better a prepared controlled fall then one out of control. Unless our ladder comes completely away from the tree, i will always have something to grab and pull myself up with.