Skydiving is often viewed as an exhilarating sport that promises the ultimate thrill --- soaring through the air, experiencing a rush of wind as you fall freely from thousands of feet. However, with such high‑stakes adventure comes the need for careful preparation and a solid understanding of emergency procedures. While skydiving is incredibly safe when conducted with proper training and equipment, things can sometimes go wrong. Knowing what to do in an emergency is critical not only for your safety but also for ensuring that you remain calm and make the right decisions in the heat of the moment.
In this article, we'll dive into the essential emergency procedures every skydiver should be familiar with, the importance of preparation, and how to remain calm when faced with life‑threatening situations.
Know Your Equipment Inside and Out
The foundation of effective emergency response begins with understanding your equipment. Whether you are jumping solo or tandem, familiarity with your gear is critical for both routine use and emergency situations.
1.1 Main and Reserve Parachutes
All skydiving rigs are equipped with two parachutes: a Main Parachute and a Reserve Parachute . In case the main chute fails, the reserve is designed to open and slow your descent, providing a second chance for a safe landing. Here are a few points to remember:
- Main Parachute: This is the primary means of descent and is deployed during freefall, either by pulling the ripcord manually or automatically through an Automatic Activation Device (AAD) if the jumper is unconscious or incapacitated.
- Reserve Parachute: A backup that should only be deployed if the main parachute does not open correctly. The reserve is packed by a certified rigger and must be inspected regularly.
1.2 Automatic Activation Device (AAD)
The AAD is a device installed in most rigs that automatically deploys the reserve parachute if the skydiver fails to deploy the main parachute at the proper altitude or if freefall velocity exceeds safe limits. It serves as a safety net for both novice and experienced skydivers.
1.3 Altimeter
An altimeter is essential for tracking your altitude during freefall. It provides you with critical information, such as when to deploy your main parachute and when to switch to your reserve in case of failure. Modern altimeters are often digital, showing you both altitude and airspeed, while traditional mechanical altimeters are analog.
Common Skydiving Emergencies
While the risks of skydiving are low, several types of emergencies can occur. Understanding how to handle each one ensures you're prepared for the unexpected.
2.1 Main Parachute Malfunctions
Main parachute malfunctions are among the most common emergencies faced by skydivers. They can range from minor issues, like a line twist, to more serious problems, such as a complete canopy failure.
Types of Malfunctions:
- Line Twists: These occur when the parachute lines become twisted after deployment, causing the canopy to spin. Line twists are usually easy to correct by pulling the steering toggles and twisting your body in the opposite direction.
- Partial Deployment: If your parachute opens only partially or becomes crumpled, it will not provide enough lift to slow your descent effectively. In this case, you should attempt to clear the malfunction by performing a series of actions: look up at your canopy, clear the obstruction, and try to release any tension.
- Complete Malfunction: In rare cases, the main parachute fails completely to deploy. This is when the reserve parachute must be deployed.
Procedure:
- Assess the Situation: Check whether you are experiencing a line twist or a partial deployment. Quickly determine if a malfunction can be corrected by adjusting your toggles or if you need to proceed with the reserve deployment.
- Deploy Reserve Parachute: If the main parachute is not functioning properly, pull your reserve ripcord immediately. Skydiving training drills will help you practice this step to ensure that it becomes second nature in a real emergency.
- Monitor the Reserve: Once the reserve is deployed, focus on controlling your descent and preparing for a safe landing. Verify that the reserve is functioning properly and adjust your body position to ensure a safe descent.
2.2 Parachute Entanglements
In the event that your main parachute and the reserve canopy become tangled, it's important to stay calm and follow a set procedure to untangle the lines. This is a rare but serious emergency.
Procedure:
- Try to Assess the Entanglement: If possible, look up and see what's happening. If the entanglement is manageable, carefully work on clearing the lines.
- Cutaway If Necessary: Most skydiving rigs come with a cutaway handle for emergencies like entanglements. Pull the cutaway handle to detach the main parachute, allowing you to deploy the reserve and regain control of your descent.
- Deploy Reserve Parachute: If the entanglement is not fixable, proceed by pulling the reserve ripcord and continue with the reserve parachute procedure.
2.3 AADC (Automatic Activation Device) Failure
The AAD is designed to deploy the reserve parachute automatically in case you are unable to do so. However, like any electronic device, it is subject to failure. If the AAD does not activate, you must rely on your own decision‑making to deploy the reserve parachute at the correct altitude.
Procedure:
- Monitor Your Altitude: Continuously check your altimeter during freefall. If you pass the altitude where you should deploy your main parachute (typically between 2,500 to 3,000 feet), pull the reserve ripcord immediately if the main has not deployed.
- Activate the Reserve Manually: If the AAD has not activated as expected, manually deploy the reserve parachute. Your training will emphasize when to act and how to do so efficiently.
Staying Calm: The Key to Handling Emergencies
When faced with an emergency during a skydive, the most important thing to do is to stay calm . Panic can cloud your judgment and lead to poor decisions. Here are a few tips to help you remain calm:
3.1 Follow Your Training
Your skydiving training is designed to prepare you for emergencies. When things go wrong, remember the drills and procedures you learned during your training. The more you've practiced these scenarios, the easier it will be to remain composed.
3.2 Breathe and Think Clearly
It's easy to become overwhelmed when you realize something has gone wrong, but staying calm is critical. Focus on breathing deeply to keep your heart rate under control. Clear thinking is essential in evaluating your situation and executing the proper emergency procedure.
3.3 Trust Your Instructor
If you're a beginner, trust the instructor's guidance. Whether you're jumping solo or tandem, an experienced instructor is your safety net. They've been through numerous emergency situations and can offer critical support.
3.4 Keep Your Focus on the Goal: Survival
In an emergency, focus on the immediate goal: survival. Assess the situation, make decisions based on your training, and stay methodical. Remember that skydiving has many built‑in safety mechanisms, and with the right response, most situations can be handled effectively.
Post‑Emergency Reflection
After an emergency is resolved and you've landed safely, it's important to reflect on the situation. Did you follow the proper steps? Were there any delays in action? Review your emergency response to identify areas for improvement. Additionally, always debrief with your instructor or fellow jumpers to understand what went wrong and how to prevent it in the future.
Conclusion: Be Prepared, Stay Safe
While skydiving is an incredibly safe sport, emergencies can happen, and being prepared is the key to minimizing risk. Familiarize yourself with all your equipment, practice emergency procedures regularly, and always stay calm if something goes wrong. Remember, skydiving isn't just about thrill and excitement; it's about understanding the risks and knowing how to handle them effectively. When you're prepared for the worst, you can enjoy the best of what the sport has to offer with confidence.