SUSPENSION RELIEF STRAP (SRS)
8
Suspension trauma or blood pooling can occur when suspended motionless in a harness for periods of
time. This can lead to unconsciousness and death.
1.
Retrieve the Suspension Relief Strap (SRS) from the storage
pouch on the side of the harness.
See figure 25
.
2.
One end of the SRS strap (shown in green) will be pre-
attached to your harness shown in
figure 26 position A
.
3.
Tie the other end of the SRS to the harness belt loop as show in
figure 26 position B.
Adjust the SRS so the large loop it forms is just above
the ankles -
figure 27
.
4.
Put both feet in the loop and stand up to relieve the pressure from the
harness leg straps. See
figure 28 and figure 29.
NOTE:
Readjust the length of
the loop if considerable pressure is still felt on the leg straps.
Self-extraction may be necessary in the unfortunate situation that
A)
No one knows your location
B)
Your communication efforts are exhausted
C)
You’re confident that you have the strength, dexterity and ability to perform self-extraction
D)
You decide this is your “absolute last resort”.
It is necessary to carry a device to assist with this self-extraction. Simple devices such as screw-in steps or a rope “Tree Descender” (available
from Summit) will allow you to remove the weight from your harness. This may enable you to return to the treestand / ladder / climbing steps
or slowly descend the tree. Practice and review your relief / recovery / escape plans at ground level prior to each hunt. If plans are
not
in place,
HUNT FROM THE GROUND!!
Several optional products/systems are available that offer self-recovery or self extraction from a fall when suspended in a harness. Returning
to the ground obviously also relieves suspension trauma and some systems automatically descend the user while others allow user control.
If one of these products/systems is selected for use as an additional safety precaution against prolonged suspension, be sure to follow the
manufacturer’s directions for safe use.
WARNING
!
If you have to hang in the tree before help arrives,
you need to exercise your legs by pushing off from
the tree, raising your knees to your chest or by
using the attached Suspension Relief Strap.
WARNING
!
Prolonged harness suspension may be fatal. If
rescue personnel cannot be notified, you must
have a plan to recover / escape before hunting.
It is very important that someone knows your hunting location and time of return. It is also very
important that you carry
(on your person)
emergency communication device such as a cell phone (that
has cell service from your hunting location), two-way radio, whistle, signal flare or preferably a PLD
(Personal Locator Device - FCC approved July, ‘03). When triggered, a PLD will transmit an emergency
signal to local rescue teams identifying your location via satellite GPS coordinates. PLD’s may be
purchased at Wilderness outfitters or on the internet.
If stated device(s) is not present,
HUNT FROM THE
GROUND!!
WARNING
!
This Suspension Relief Strap
MUST
be on your person
and accessible while using your FBFAHS!!! The steps
below assume you are hanging in a FBFAHS after a
fall.
25
29
27
28
A
SRS
STRAP
B
26
