Climber crush injuries
When felling a tree on the ground , the correct procedure is always to leave the stump along a prepared escape route , as most injuries occur within 4m of the stump . Climbers often fell out the heads of trees using standard felling techniques , but in most cases are unable to ‘ leave the area ’ and if the felling operation goes wrong the climber is usually still in the danger area .
Climber crush injuries can occur where a felled leader or section hits an obstacle : the butt can slide back across the stump ( pictured below ), or the piece can invert , and the head can come back across the climber .
Climber crush injuries can also be the result of partial tree failure , for example where the head of the tree fails during rigging and falls on to the climber .
The highest priority for rescuers must always be their own safety . If it is not possible to safely climb the tree , alternative access methods must be found .
It is usually preferable to secure the load with additional ropes and try to take the tension off the casualty and their lines , instead of cutting the section free . Cutting the section free will result in a sudden release of tension and the dynamic , uncontrolled movement of both parts of timber .
If no suitable anchors for securing the section exist , it must be cut free . First remove any length of timber sticking past the climber on the free side . Then perform a bridging cut ( top cut or top scarf followed by undercut ) as close as possible to the climber on the hungup side to free the hanger . Further details on these cuts can be found in MIS315 Chainsaw Operation and Tree Felling ( published by Arboriculture Australia and NZArb ) or the Chainsaw Operator ’ s Manual .
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