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....