Tree stand accidents represent one of the most serious hazards in hunting, accounting for thousands of injuries annually. The severity of the fall, especially from heights exceeding 15 feet, means that the immediate actions taken by the hunter can significantly influence the outcome and the extent of long-term injury. Correct, prompt action is necessary to transition from an emergency situation to a rescue scenario.
Immediate Self-Assessment and Securing the Scene
The first action depends on the outcome of the fall: whether the hunter is suspended in a Fall Arrest System (FAS) or has impacted the ground. If suspended, the immediate step is to engage the suspension relief device that comes with the full-body harness. This device, often a strap or loop, must be used immediately to stand up and relieve pressure on the inner thighs and groin. Hanging motionless can lead to suspension trauma, where blood pools in the legs, restricting circulation back to the heart and brain, potentially causing unconsciousness or death quickly.
If the fall resulted in ground impact, the instinct to move must be overridden to protect the spine. The priority shifts to remaining completely still and conducting a sequential self-check for life-threatening conditions. This immediate self-assessment must check for consciousness, breathing, and massive hemorrhage.
The hunter should scan their body for signs of profuse blood loss that may require immediate attention, such as direct pressure or the application of a tourniquet. Any pain in the neck or back, numbness, or tingling in the extremities suggests a potential spinal injury, necessitating absolute stillness until medical professionals arrive. If the scene is unsafe, a conscious, uninjured hunter should only move minimally to a secure position, prioritizing spinal protection above all else.
Initiating Emergency Communication
After addressing the immediate physical threat, the next action is to establish contact with emergency services or a pre-arranged contact. Dialing 911 or the local emergency number is the primary step, provided a cell phone is accessible and functioning. Since many hunting locations are remote, the cell phone should be carried in a pocket for quick access, not in a backpack that may be out of reach after a fall.
Providing precise location data is crucial for minimizing the time it takes for rescuers to arrive. This can be accomplished by relaying GPS coordinates from a smartphone app or a dedicated Personal Locator Beacon (PLB). If cell service is unavailable, backup signaling devices are necessary, such as activating a PLB, which sends a distress signal via satellite, or using a two-way radio to contact a hunting partner.
When communicating with emergency responders, clearly state the mechanism of injury, specifying that the trauma resulted from a fall from height. This information allows dispatchers to send appropriate resources, such as a trauma team or specialized search and rescue personnel.
Providing Essential Self-Care While Awaiting Help
The time between the emergency call and the arrival of rescuers can be significant, making self-care necessary for survival in remote areas. If neck or back pain is present, the hunter must assume a spinal injury exists and maintain complete stillness. This prevents secondary injury to the spinal cord by avoiding any twisting or bending motion of the head and torso.
Managing physical shock is a primary concern, which can develop from pain, blood loss, or psychological trauma. Symptoms like paleness, rapid pulse, and confusion indicate shock, and the hunter should attempt to elevate their legs slightly, if possible and not contraindicated by a suspected spinal injury. Maintaining core body temperature is also important, as hypothermia can set in even in moderate weather. The hunter should cover themselves with any accessible clothing or material to reduce heat loss.
If suspended in a harness, continue to move the legs periodically, even with the relief strap deployed, to encourage blood circulation. If a first-aid kit is accessible, minor injuries can be addressed, but pain medication should be used cautiously, as it may mask symptoms of a more serious internal injury.
Post-Rescue Medical Evaluation and Reporting
Once rescue personnel arrive, a full medical evaluation is mandatory, even if the hunter feels relatively uninjured. Falls from a height are classified as a dangerous mechanism of injury, meaning there is a high risk of internal trauma that may not be immediately apparent. A comprehensive hospital visit, likely involving imaging such as CT scans and X-rays, is necessary to rule out occult injuries like compression fractures or internal organ damage.
Following medical clearance, the incident should be reported to appropriate authorities, such as state wildlife agencies, as this data helps improve safety standards. The hunter must also check the Fall Arrest System and stand manufacturer for reporting requirements if the equipment failed or was damaged. Most harnesses are rated for a single fall and must be replaced immediately. A thorough review of safety protocols is necessary to prevent recurrence.