The Yale CMHAY201 Trauma Strap is a 1200 mm webbing strap that mitigates the risk of suspension trauma after a fall arrest event — blood pooling in the legs that can occur within minutes of motionless harness suspension, risking unconsciousness before rescue. Deployed after the fall, the user attaches the strap as a foot-loop and stands in it, relieving harness pressure against the legs while awaiting rescue. Each harness should carry two trauma straps (one per leg); manufactured by Columbus McKinnon under the Yale brand and supplied with a test certificate.
Key Features
- 1200 mm working length — long enough to form a usable foot-loop for the average user when deployed
- Compact stowed size — stowed in a pouch on the harness, deploys quickly after a fall
- Polyester webbing — abrasion-resistant and quick to dry
- Loop terminations — attach to the harness D-rings or leg straps
- Two-per-harness configuration — one strap per leg for full suspension relief
- Quick deployment — designed to be opened and used by the casualty themselves within seconds of a fall
Technical Specifications
| Model |
Part Number |
Working Length |
Construction |
Use |
| CMHAY201 |
N4300006933 |
1200 mm |
Polyester webbing with loop terminations |
Post-fall suspension trauma prevention |
One strap per leg — recommended to carry two trauma straps with every harness. Trauma straps significantly reduce suspension trauma risk during the rescue window.
CMCO Group | EN ISO 9001 Certified
This product is manufactured by Columbus McKinnon under the Yale lifting brand to EN ISO 9001 quality management standards. Designed as a supplementary device to a fall arrest system (EN 363). Supplied with a manufacturer's test certificate. PPE Regulation (EU) 2016/425 Category III.
More About This Product
The Yale CMHAY201 Trauma Strap is a 1200 mm webbing strap that mitigates the risk of suspension trauma after a fall arrest event. Suspension trauma (also called orthostatic intolerance) can occur within minutes of a user being suspended motionless in a harness — blood pools in the legs, reducing return to the heart and risking unconsciousness or worse before rescue can be effected. The trauma strap is deployed after the fall: the user attaches the strap as a foot-loop, stands in it, and relieves the pressure of the harness against the legs while awaiting rescue. Each harness should carry two trauma straps (one per leg). Manufactured by Columbus McKinnon under the Yale lifting brand, supplied with a manufacturer's test certificate.
Suitable Applications
Essential supplementary equipment for any user wearing a fall arrest harness in an environment where rescue may take more than a few minutes — typically remote sites, confined spaces, working alone, or tasks where rescue planning identifies a delay before retrieval. Suspension trauma can begin within 5 to 10 minutes of motionless suspension and can become fatal within 20 to 30 minutes — the trauma strap extends the safe rescue window significantly.
How to Use the Trauma Strap
- Stow one trauma strap on each side of the harness within easy reach of the user.
- All users must be briefed on the deployment procedure before working at height — training is essential.
- If suspended after a fall, the user opens the trauma strap pouch and deploys both straps.
- Attach the loop ends to a convenient point on the harness (typically a harness D-ring or strap loop).
- Stand with one foot in each strap, taking the weight onto the legs and relieving the pressure against the harness.
- Keep moving the legs gently while suspended to maintain blood circulation until rescue arrives.
- Alert the rescue team and remain calm — the trauma strap extends the safe rescue window but does not eliminate the need for prompt rescue.
Warning:
Trauma straps do not eliminate the need for prompt rescue — they extend the safe rescue window. All users must be trained in deployment before working at height. The user must be conscious and able to deploy the straps themselves — unconscious casualties cannot deploy trauma straps and require immediate rescue.
Safety Information
- Train all users in deployment procedure before working at height.
- Carry two trauma straps per harness — one for each leg.
- Inspect straps and stowage before each use.
- Do not rely on trauma straps as a substitute for a rescue plan — rescue must still be planned and rehearsed.
- Conscious casualty only — unconscious casualties require immediate rescue.
- Replace if any damage is found during inspection.
Inspection and Maintenance
Inspect the webbing and stitching for cuts, fraying, or burns before each use. Verify the strap is correctly stowed in the harness pouch and easily accessible. Clean using warm water and mild detergent. Air-dry. Replace every 10 years from first use, or sooner if inspection reveals damage.
Downloads
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is suspension trauma?
Suspension trauma (orthostatic intolerance) occurs when a user is suspended motionless in a harness after a fall. Blood pools in the legs because the harness straps restrict venous return, reducing blood flow back to the heart and brain. Symptoms can develop within 5–10 minutes and can become fatal within 20–30 minutes without intervention.
Q: How does the trauma strap help?
The strap forms a foot-loop. By standing in the loop, the user takes weight onto the legs, relieves pressure against the harness straps, and restores normal venous return. This significantly extends the safe rescue window.
Q: How many trauma straps should I carry?
Two per harness — one for each leg, stowed on each side. Both legs must be supported for the relief to be effective.
Q: Does the trauma strap replace the need for a rescue plan?
No. It extends the safe rescue window but rescue is still required. A rescue plan is mandatory under the Work at Height Regulations 2005.
Q: Can an unconscious casualty use the trauma strap?
No. The user must be conscious to deploy the strap themselves. Unconscious casualties require immediate rescue retrieval.
Q: Is training required?
Yes. All users must be trained in deployment procedure before working at height — the time after a fall is not the time to learn how to use the equipment.
Q: How often must the trauma strap be inspected?
Pre-use inspection by the operator, thorough examination by a competent person every 6 months.
