The following course material is for reference only. Please go to the new course to complete your North Carolina certification.

Fall-Arrest Systems (FAS)

You should use a fall-arrest system (FAS) that is manufactured to TMA standards. Never use single-strap belts and chest harnesses—they can be deadly. Before hunting, carefully read the manufacturer’s instructions for proper use of your FAS and follow all safety guidelines.

• Most tree stand falls occur when a hunter is climbing up or down a tree. Always use a properly fitting FAS that includes a full-body harness at all times when your feet are off the ground. Make sure your FAS includes these components:
  • Full-body harness—the vest harness is a very effective style of full-body harness
  • Lineman’s-style belt and/or climbing belt—used when climbing up and down the tree
  • Tree strap—goes around the tree
  • Tether—attaches the harness to the tree strap
  • Suspension relief strap—provides a loop to stand in if you fall
• With an adult present, practice adjusting and using your FAS, including the suspension relief strap, at ground level before hunting from an elevated stand.
• To protect yourself if you fall, always wear your FAS full-body harness, attaching it to the tree at ground level and keeping it attached throughout your hunt.
  • Attach one end of the FAS lineman’s-style belt to one side of the FAS full-body harness, wrap the belt around the tree, and attach the other end of the belt to the other side of the harness.
  • Use the FAS lineman’s-style belt with your FAS full-body harness when you are installing or uninstalling the stand or the climbing aids for a hang-on tree stand.
  • Also use the belt with your full-body harness when you are climbing into or out of a hang-on stand.
• When you are in any tree stand, including a ladder stand, use the FAS tree strap and tether to attach your FAS full-body harness to the tree. Attach the tree strap to the tree so that the strap is at, or above, head level when you are standing. After attaching the tether, adjust both the tree strap and tether so that you have no slack in the tether while seated in your stand. If you fall, you do not want to drop below a level that would keep you from returning to the platform.
• If you should fall while in your stand:
  • Do not panic. Your FAS will hold you.
  • Signal for help.
  • Climb back onto the platform as quickly as possible.
  • Take actions to avoid suspension trauma if you must wait for rescue. If you do not have a suspension relief strap, keep moving your legs.
• Discard any FAS that shows signs of wear and tear or has been worn during a fall. Also adhere to the expiration date sewn into the FAS by the manufacturer.
• Due to the risks of injuries or death, hunters who choose not to wear and use their FAS properly should stay on the ground to hunt.

Suspension Trauma

Hanging motionless and suspended in your FAS after a fall can cause the leg straps to constrict blood flow. The pressure can make blood pool in the legs, limiting circulation and depriving organs of oxygen. This is called suspension trauma and can lead quickly to unconsciousness followed by death. To avoid suspension trauma while you wait to be rescued:

• Step into your suspension relief strap and stand up to relieve the pressure caused by the leg straps.
• If you do not have a suspension relief strap, move your legs continuously by pushing off from the tree or raise your knees and pump your legs frequently to keep your blood flowing until help arrives.

Fall-Arrest Systems (FAS) Video

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