Yale Trauma Strap CMHAY201 1200mm

Model CMHAY201 | 1200mm Trauma Suspension Relief Strap | Post-Fall Suspension Trauma Prevention | EN 363 Compatible

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.

Technical Specifications

One strap per leg — recommended to carry two trauma straps with every harness. Trauma straps significantly reduce suspension trauma risk during the rescue window.

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

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

1. Stow one trauma strap on each side of the harness within easy reach of the user.
2. All users must be briefed on the deployment procedure before working at height — training is essential.
3. If suspended after a fall, the user opens the trauma strap pouch and deploys both straps.
4. Attach the loop ends to a convenient point on the harness (typically a harness D-ring or strap loop).
5. Stand with one foot in each strap, taking the weight onto the legs and relieving the pressure against the harness.
6. Keep moving the legs gently while suspended to maintain blood circulation until rescue arrives.
7. 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

• Yale Height Safety Brochure (PDF)

Frequently Asked Questions