What can happen to a person experiencing suspension trauma?

Suspension trauma can lead to severe physiological effects on the body when a person is hanging in a harness for an extended period. The most critical concern is that blood circulation can become compromised due to the position of the body, especially if the legs are hanging freely. This can result in blood pooling in the legs, which reduces blood return to the heart, leading to a drop in blood pressure and potentially causing the person to become unconscious. In extreme cases, without prompt rescue and intervention, this condition can result in death due to the lack of oxygenated blood reaching vital organs. Understanding the risks associated with suspension trauma is essential for safety when working at heights.