Hanging in the Balance: Understanding Suspension Trauma

About this episode

Matthew McKinnon explores the critical condition of suspension trauma and its physiological implications.

In this episode, Matthew McKinnon takes a deep dive into the often-overlooked but potentially fatal condition known as suspension trauma. Commonly associated with climbing, rope access work, and wilderness rescue, suspension trauma can develop rapidly when a person is left hanging motionless in a harness. Matthew breaks down the physiology behind the condition, explaining how restricted blood flow can lead to loss of consciousness and even death if not addressed quickly. He also covers the ke...

People in this episode

Host: Matthew McKinnon

Topics covered

• suspension trauma
• climbing
• wilderness rescue
• physiology
• blood flow
• safety

Keywords

• suspension trauma
• climbing safety
• wilderness medicine
• blood flow restriction
• loss of consciousness

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