Prudent advice for anyone hunting from trees, this text comes from the instruction manual for a Hunter Safety System (HSS) full body harness. I believe the advice is equally applicable when using a saddle. An extra tether, lineman belt, daisy chain, or versa strap can be used in a similar fashion to provide relief if you're unable to climb back onto your platform or ROS (or to descend). That extra strap, however, must be ON YOUR PERSON and READILY ACCESSIBLE at all times when you're off the ground. Having it buried in your pack or in the pocket of the jacket or vest that you removed when the day warmed up won't do you any good if you can't get to it.
Here's the excerpt from the HSS harness safety manual:
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USING THE SUSPENSION RELIEF STRAP
1. A one-inch strap is provided with your harness to be used ONLY as a suspension relief strap. This MUST be on your person and easily accessible when using the harness. WARNING! NEVER use this or the loop located at the rear, bottom of the harness as a means of securing yourself to the tree.
2. Practice at least one self recovery or suspension relief method while near ground level and in the presence of a responsible adult.
3. If you fall and must hang for extended periods of time while waiting for help to arrive, the suspension relief strap can allow the user to relieve the load on the lower extremities when suspended in the harness and help maintain circulation in the leg thereby mitigating suspension trauma (blood pooling).
4. While hanging, take the strap from your pocket (WARNING! keep this strap with you and easily accessible at all times) and attach the metal clip to the loop found at the rear bottom portion of the harness. Adjust the strap to a length that will allow you to step up onto it and stand thus relieving pressure on your body caused by hanging.
5. You should never hunt without the suspension relief strap; however, if you drop or lose it, be sure to move your legs often while hanging to maintain a good blood flow. In addition to the suspension relief strap, always carry a screw-in step in an easily accessible pocket that can be screwed into the tree and stepped onto to relieve suspension trauma.
6. Always keep an emergency signal device such as a whistle, small air horn and a cell phone or personal locator beacon in an accessible pocket at all times so that you can contact someone for help.
7. Warning! In the event of a fall, DO NOT PANIC! Put your practiced self recovery plan into action, ie suspension relief, self recovery, or other means of rescue.
8. Note: Several optional products/systems are available that offer self-recovery or self extraction from a fall when suspended in a harness. Some systems automatically descend the user while others allow control. One of these product/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.
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