PSA: Emergency descender device

[bdbrown66]

I'm always looking for good ideas and ways to ensure that everyone comes back safely at the end of the day. We primarily hunt from ladder stands, and for the last 6 or 7 years all of our stands are equipped with lifelines. No one steps off the ground without being connected to the line. And that is a good thing, as a ladder can break, etc. But then I got to thinking, getting back down to the ground if you're hanging on the line could be a bit tricky. Suspension shock is a real thing, and you have about 5 minutes until your situation begins to deteriorate; by 30 minutes, you can be dead.

After doing some investigation, I found a product called the Treestand Wingman. It provides a controlled descent from a fall, is reusable over and over again, and totally prevents suspension shock. Can't find a bad review on them, but a whole bunch of excellent ones. The videos on their site demonstrate the product very well. Not cheap ($130-150), but not terribly expensive. Looks like a decent insurance policy to me.

I have no connection to this company, and don't even own one of them yet. But I ordered one for myself and my son, should arrive this week. Just thought I would share the info here in case anyone else was interested. Be safe out there.

Tree Stand Wingman |

 

[wvbuckbuster]

Sounds like it can be beneficial. Keep us posted how it works out.

 

[Blkram]

A great idea and plan!
Here in Canada, our Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) regulations require not just a fall protection plan, but also a fall rescue plan for in case you fall for each and every location when working above 3m above ground level, and must be rescued after the fall, because as stated, your life expectancy while hanging in your fall protection harness is just 15 minutes! After that it is a recovery; not a rescue.
Are you prepared?

 

[bdbrown66]

A great idea and plan!
Here in Canada, our Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) regulations require not just a fall protection plan, but also a fall rescue plan for in case you fall for each and every location when working above 3m above ground level, and must be rescued after the fall, because as stated, your life expectancy while hanging in your fall protection harness is just 15 minutes! After that it is a recovery; not a rescue.
Are you prepared?

I soon will be!!

 

[JD338]

Looks like a good product.

JD338

 

[clearwater]

interesting. As a rock climber I hadn't heard of this. Apparently having your feet against something, like a rock face, and being able to move against it helps prevent this. Having hung in harnesses for a long time while belaying isn't the same thing as hanging motionless and free in the air apparently.

Sound like a good product. Being tied in so you can't hang in the first place would be the other option?

 

[bdbrown66]

interesting. As a rock climber I hadn't heard of this. Apparently having your feet against something, like a rock face, and being able to move against it helps prevent this. Having hung in harnesses for a long time while belaying isn't the same thing as hanging motionless and free in the air apparently.

Sound like a good product. Being tied in so you can't hang in the first place would be the other option?

Not sure I understand your last question. You should always be wearing a harness and connected to a lifeline when you leave the ground. But what if you fall from the stand or ladder? Yes, the harness and lifeline will keep you from hitting the ground, but then what? If the stand has collapsed or you are unable to get back in, you are left hanging there. Having this device ensures that you get back to the ground safely, even if you are unconscious.

 

[cloverleaf]

Great link and good advice. Last year, I helped a quadaplegic try and get set up for deer hunting. His original injury was from a fall from a deer stand. From what I remember it was 10 feet up or less. Be careful! CL

BTW- thats one tough, motivated deer hunter. Dont know if I would....

 

[clearwater]

Not sure I understand your last question. You should always be wearing a harness and connected to a lifeline when you leave the ground. But what if you fall from the stand or ladder? Yes, the harness and lifeline will keep you from hitting the ground, but then what? If the stand has collapsed or you are unable to get back in, you are left hanging there. Having this device ensures that you get back to the ground safely, even if you are unconscious.

Good question. I don't have experience with tree stands.

Maybe the most similar type of climbing activity would be following a fixed line where you would be attached all the time to a rope which is tied off from overhead and possibly behind, with you sliding friction knots (Prusik) or ascending devices up with you. Unless doing a traverse with only one end tied off of the rope tied off, there is no real fall involved if you slipped. Rock climbing ropes are dynamic and absorb fall energy. However if you were hit by rocks or had a medical emergency followed by unconsciousness, you could be left hanging.

If you were attached with ascenders/Prusik to a dynamic fixed line tied in the tree above the stand, there would be no fall if the stand gave way and you could pre- set up to lower yourself using simple old time methods (carabiner brakes, descender, prusiks, even the dulfersitz). Unless as you point out are unconscious and alone. Roofers and arborists use similar set ups.

Not seeing where it is too likely one would be rendered unconscious from the activity if attached from above. Maybe shoot yourself? Attacked by a catamount? Too many beers? Bears that had too many beers?

Seriously, since hunters are often solo, I see where an auto lowering device could be a great idea. Seems like there would be a market for climbers who can't find friends to belay them too.

 

[bdbrown66]

Good question. I don't have experience with tree stands.

Maybe the most similar type of climbing activity would be following a fixed line where you would be attached all the time to a rope from overhead and possibly behind, sliding friction knots (Prusik) or ascending devices up with you. Unless doing a traverse with only one end tied off, there is no real fall involved if you slipped. However if hit by rocks or had a medical emergency followed by unconsciousness, you could be left hanging.

If you were attached with ascenders/Prusik to a fixed line in the tree above the stand, there would be no fall if the stand gave way and you could pre- set up to lower yourself using simple old time methods (carabiner brakes, descender, prusiks, even the dulfersitz). Unless you point out are unconscious and alone. Roofers and arborists use similar set ups.

Not seeing where it is too likely one would be rendered unconscious from the activity if attached from above. Maybe shoot yourself? Attacked by a catamount? Too many beers? Bears that had too many beers?

Seriously, since hunters are often solo, I see where an auto lowering device could be a great idea. Seems like there would be a market for climbers who can't find friends to belay them too.

A fixed line attached to the tree with a sliding Prusik knot where you attach your harness tether is what's commonly called a "lifeline." As most accidents happen going up or down the tree, this is a great way to ensure that you don't fall to the ground if that happens. But then, you are left suspended from the tree. Your weight is causing the Prusik to bite and not slide, so then what? Unless you are carrying other climbing gear, ropes, etc. you will remain suspended, and soon in an emergency situation. Not to mention, many of us hunters are well beyond the age to be taking on such a challenge. For $130 to remove all of that from my list of things that could ruin my day...take my money.

 

[clearwater]

A fixed line attached to the tree with a sliding Prusik knot where you attach your harness tether is what's commonly called a "lifeline." As most accidents happen going up or down the tree, this is a great way to ensure that you don't fall to the ground if that happens. But then, you are left suspended from the tree. Your weight is causing the Prusik to bite and not slide, so then what? Unless you are carrying other climbing gear, ropes, etc. you will remain suspended, and soon in an emergency situation. Not to mention, many of us hunters are well beyond the age to be taking on such a challenge. For $130 to remove all of that from my list of things that could ruin my day...take my money.

You bring two Prusiks or ascending devices. Climb up or down as needed. Here is a good video of one method. I have pre-tied cords I keep on my harness that are the two lengths needed so i don't have to futz around with extra slings and carabiners.

You are right about the athletic ability needed. Its a real workout, akin to dragging a mule deer cross country, and difficult with arthritic hands. I am bumping up against those limitations.

It is a lot cheaper for a youngster on a budget and better than going without (assuming you already have a rope). The need to practice beforehand is necessary for any of these methods.