2.4.8 Common arborist injuries and response priorities
Co-authored by Adam Marmion
This chapter discusses some potential arborist injuries and presents a brief summary of contemporary response priorities for some medical conditions and injuries . It is beyond the scope of this book to present sufficient information for the full range and treatment of all possible injuries and medical complications . This book is not a substitute for formal first aid training , and over time medical ‘ best practice ’ will evolve and information presented here will become outdated . Formal First Aid training and qualifications present opportunity and context to develop practical skills and knowledge .
In addition to the various challenges associated with rescuing an injured worker at height , the rescue team may be required to respond to a wide range of potential injuries . Common injuries include lacerations , falls , compression , electrocution , exposure , and impact injuries . With any significant incident , specialist assistance and advice should always be obtained from the local Ambulance Service .
Attending to a patient while suspended or working at height is hazardous and difficult for both the patient and rescuer . In all cases of injury or illness the task of assessing and treating a patient will be safer and more efficient on the ground . Efforts should be made to safely move the patient to the ground as early as possible , however this will not always be possible due to a variety of reasons including ; rescuer equipment and skills , insufficient personnel , patient entrapment and some particular injury types .
In all cases of injury and illness standard first aid principles should be followed . Both professional rescuers and working arborists should hold first aid qualifications through attending courses with accredited first aid teaching authorities .
Specialist training and the attendance of medical professionals is crucial to successful treatment .
Standard first aid principles
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