How long should a bucket truck rescue be carried out to give the victim a better chance of survival?

In emergency rescue situations involving victims in a bucket truck, time is a crucial factor for increasing the chances of survival. Research and protocol guidelines suggest that a bucket truck rescue should ideally be completed within four minutes. This timeframe allows for prompt response, which is critical because the longer the victim is left suspended without assistance, the greater the risks of serious complications, like suspension trauma, set in.

Suspension trauma occurs when a person is left hanging in a harness for an extended period, restricting blood flow and leading to potential loss of consciousness or worse. After four minutes, the likelihood of these complications increases significantly, which is why this timeframe is emphasized in training for outside linemen and other emergency responders. The selection of four minutes as the optimal rescue duration strikes a balance between effective response and the urgency required in such critical situations, ultimately supporting the victim's best chance for survival.