When in extreme locations it has become an accepted part of working practices to cater for the worst case scenario and a rescue plan is an essential part of this. A clear demonstration of this is in confined space work where the recovery element is an integral part of any system.

The problem however arises when persons are working in areas where the exposure feels less extreme, but the requirement for rescue may be just as real. Suspension trauma can occur in relatively innocuous locations, but with careful planning and selection of appropriate rescue equipment the risks can be kept to a very low level.

Suspension trauma is the effect on a suspended casualty that can lead to unconsciousness or death,

This is due in part to a decrease in the effective circulation of oxygenated blood to the body's extremities, either due to injury, shock or compression caused by a harness.

The time it takes for this condition to effect a person can vary greatly. The golden periods to help the victims is only 5 – 10 minutes, so having an effective solution at hand for a speedy resolution is essential.