The Art of Surviving a Parachute Failure: From High Altitude to Ground

Imagine finding yourself in an unimaginable scenario—falling from an altitude of 40,000 feet without a parachute. The situation seems dire, and the question arises: what can one do to stay calm and make the best of the circumstances?

Preparing for the Unpredictable

Before we delve into the techniques to survive, let's address the immediate action that can be taken at the onset of a parachute failure. If the mishap occurs at high altitude:

Distance from Shock: Using a handkerchief to cover your face and a shirt to resemble a wing suit, you can maintain a floating position. With your knees bent, you create resistance and slow your descent. This technique can make all the difference in mitigating the impact. Positioning: Bend your body into an arc-like position. This flexibility can help you survive the fall with minimal injuries. The objective is to maximize your surface area and minimize the impact velocity.

Congratulations, you have survived the 40,000ft freefall. However, breaking your limbs or even sustaining a head injury is a harsh reality. But the most crucial point is 'you survived.' That is what matters.

Praying and Preparing

When at high altitudes, the likelihood of surviving the fall is incredibly low due to the immense velocity and impact. In such cases, it is recommended to slow down the rate of descent as much as possible. Trying to pray may seem futile, but it can offer a moment of solace and may even spark a miracle. Choose a short, meaningful prayer and remain hopeful.

Historical Context and Lessons

During the early days of the 101st Airborne, an incident during a night training jump showcases the reality of parachute failure. Donald Burgett, a chaplain, managed to fall 1,000 feet with an unopened chute and survive, though with serious internal injuries.

Another firsthand account involves a skydiver whose main parachute failed to deploy fully. He tried to land using the landing technique taught at high altitude. Upon impact, he was immobile and mistaken for dead by the recovery team, despite breaking almost all the bones in one side of his body.

Survival Techniques for Home Practice

While it's devastating to think about the possibility of a parachute failure, the skills required to survive it can be learned and practiced from the comfort of one's home. Here are the steps:

Control Breathing: Try to slow down your breathing, as tensing up will only worsen the situation. The goal is to bend your knees. Body Position: Bring your arms flush to your sides and raise your knees as high as possible towards your chest. Place your hands behind your knees. Forward Flexion: Lean forward with your head and pull your legs even further up. The final move is to purse your lips and kiss your ass goodbye!

It's important to note that while these techniques are valuable, they should not replace professional training. Personal safety should always be a priority in extreme activities like skydiving.

Conclusion:

Surviving a parachute failure is a rare and harrowing experience. The tips provided can be practiced at home and may help in a critical situation. Nonetheless, these techniques are only supplemental to proper parachute usage and training. Always seek professional guidance and adhere to safety protocols.