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FULL-BODY HARNESS SYSTEM INSTRUCTIONS (SUSPENSION RELIEF DEVICE)
No one plans to fall from their treestand, however, falls can and do occur without warning. It is important to know what to do in the unlikely event you
experience a fall from an elevated hunting position. It is also very important you practice your escape plan at ground-level prior to entering an elevated
hunting platform. There is time to make a correct decision on what action to take if a fall occurs while wearing a full-body fall arrest harness. It is important
not to panic. Remain calm and implement your practiced rescue, relief and recovery plan.
A Suspension Relief Device, or SRD, has been provided with this True North Treestands Inc. product. It is provided to help relieve the pressure on your lower
extremities in the unlikely event you experience a fall from an elevated hunting position.
WARNING! A suspension relief device must be on your person and readily accessible while using a full-body fall arrest harness. These devices will
allow you to relieve the load on the lower extremities if suspended in a full-body fall arrest harness and help maintain circulation in the legs and
mitigate (minimize) suspension trauma (blood pooling) or allow descent to the ground. Follow all instructions below regarding the provided SRD
(Suspension Relief Device) Failure to follow full-body fall arrest harness instructions could result in not being able to return to the stand and being
suspended in a full-body fall arrest harness after a fall. Failure to follow this warning may result in serious injury or death!
Figure 14
Suspension Relief Device (SRD) Operation
1
Deploy SRD
4
Standing in Loop
3
Ready for Use
2
Adjust Loop
STEP 1: After a fall, take a moment to catch your breath and stay calm. Remain calm and do not panic.
STEP 2: Pull out the SRD strap located on the waist belt of your full-body fall arrest harness.
STEP 3: Adjust the SRD strap so you are able to step into the loop and then stand up, placing your weight in the standing loop and relieving the pressure on
your lower extremities. The loop size can be adjusted by moving the buckle up or down (refer to Figure 14 for SRD operation).
STEP 4: If you are able to reach your ladder or climbing system, use it to get back into your secured treestand and then carefully climb down to ground-level.
If you are not able to reach your stand, remain calm and continue to stand in the SRD loop and use your personal locating device or cell phone to call for
help.
Important Note Regarding Self Extractors
Several optional products/systems are available that offer self-recovery or self-extraction from a fall when suspended in a full-body
fall arrest harness. Some systems automatically descend the user while others allow user control. One of these products/systems can
be considered for use as an additional safety precaution against prolonged suspension and suspension trauma. Be sure to follow the
manufacturers’ directions on the safe use of these products/systems.
