What is the primary function of a Y-Lanyard/Bypass Lanyard in a rescue?

The primary function of a Y-Lanyard, also known as a bypass lanyard, is to provide fall protection when one lanyard is unclipped. This design is specifically meant to enhance safety for workers at height or in rescue situations. The dual lanyard system ensures that even if one lanyard becomes unhooked or fails, the other lanyard remains connected, providing continuous support and preventing a fall.

In rescue scenarios, where the dynamics can change rapidly, having this redundancy is crucial as it increases the safety of the rescuer significantly. It enables the user to secure themselves while making adjustments or performing tasks that could compromise their stability, knowing they still have a protective system in place.

Other options describe functionalities that do not align with the primary purpose of a Y-Lanyard. For example, while securing a subject in a standing position is important in some contexts, it is not the main role of a Y-Lanyard. Similarly, emergency release mechanisms and limiting movements, while relevant in certain situations, are not the primary concerns addressed by this type of lanyard. The focus is fundamentally on ensuring continued fall protection throughout its use.