How frequently should a person trapped in a harness squeeze their legs to maintain circulation?

Maintaining circulation is crucial for anyone trapped in a harness, as prolonged pressure can lead to serious complications due to restricted blood flow. Squeezing the legs periodically encourages blood circulation and helps mitigate the risk of conditions like suspension trauma, which can occur when a person is immobile in a harness for an extended period.

The recommended frequency of every 5 seconds strikes a balance between being frequent enough to stimulate circulation and allowing sufficient time for the person to count and perform the action without causing additional stress. This interval helps ensure that blood flow is maintained adequately, reducing the risk of harm associated with prolonged suspension. Regularly squeezing the legs also serves as a distraction and helps the individual stay engaged and aware of their situation, which is important for mental resilience during rescue situations.

Longer intervals, such as 10 seconds or longer, may not be frequent enough to effectively counter the risks of reduced circulation, potentially leading to more severe health issues as the time in the harness increases.