Study: Is a backpack as good as a parachute?

In summary, a recent study published in a major medical journal showed that a parachute is no more effective than an empty backpack when jumping from an aircraft. However, the study was more of a commentary on the importance of scientific method and the danger of overlooking details in research. The aircraft used in the study were parked on the ground, and the free-fall was less than 1 m. So, while the study may seem absurd, it serves as a reminder to always pay attention to the details in research.
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collinsmark
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Is a backpack as good as a parachute when jumping out of a plane?

https://www.npr.org/sections/health...show-parachutes-dont-work-but-there-s-a-catch

"Research published in a major medical journal concludes that a parachute is no more effective than an empty backpack at protecting you from harm if you have to jump from an aircraft."

parachute_custom-14f30a9f6c9cd40ce0c2079732f3cf6122206945-s1600-c85.jpg


If you're skeptical, you should be. This study was, more than anything, making a point about scientific method and the danger of overlooking details in actual research.

(Link to study: https://www.bmj.com/content/363/bmj.k5094)

[Edit: Cutting to the chase, if you haven't read the article: although not immediately obvious in the study, the aircraft used were, for both control and experimental groups, parked on the ground during the experiment. The height of the free-fall was less than 1 m.]
 

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This one reminds me of a joke about 6 people on a plane including a couple important dignitaries, along with the world's smartest man, and a hippie and a boy scout. The plane runs out of gas and they only have 5 parachutes. The dignitaries and the pilot took the first 3 parachutes, and jumped out, and then the world's smartest man argued that he should also get one, leaving the hippie and the boy scout with just one parachute between them. "Not to worry", the hippie tells the boy scout="I just gave my backpack to the world's smartest man." ## \\ ## In any case, in responding to the OP, I do think that it would help to have some training in what to do with a parachute, , as well as how to exit the plane, in the event you needed to parachute from a plane.
 
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  • #3
This is like the study that shows that listening to "When I'm 64" actually makes you younger. Not feel younger. Actually be younger. https://doi.org/10.1177/0956797611417632 (p=0.04)
 
  • #4
Now I'm concerned. Did the helpful hippie and the boy scout learn to glide the aircraft? Or gently float to terra firma in each other's embrace on a single 'chute (like GHW Bush on his 99th birthday)?

Postscript: lost count of the parachutes in all the excitement :-).
 
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  • #5
Klystron said:
Postscript: lost count of the parachutes in all the excitement :-).
I guess he feels lucky today.
 
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  • #6
collinsmark said:
Is a backpack as good as a parachute when jumping out of a plane?

https://www.npr.org/sections/health...show-parachutes-dont-work-but-there-s-a-catch

"Research published in a major medical journal concludes that a parachute is no more effective than an empty backpack at protecting you from harm if you have to jump from an aircraft."

View attachment 236221

If you're skeptical, you should be. This study was, more than anything, making a point about scientific method and the danger of overlooking details in actual research.

(Link to study: https://www.bmj.com/content/363/bmj.k5094)

[Edit: Cutting to the chase, if you haven't read the article: although not immediately obvious in the study, the aircraft used were, for both control and experimental groups, parked on the ground during the experiment. The height of the free-fall was less than 1 m.]
what a total laugh haha

This study was, more than anything, making a point about scientific method and the danger of overlooking details in actual research
.

indeed it does :)
 
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FAQ: Study: Is a backpack as good as a parachute?

1. What was the purpose of the study?

The purpose of the study was to determine if a backpack could serve as a suitable alternative to a parachute in emergency situations.

2. How was the study conducted?

The study was conducted by simulating emergency situations where a person would need to use either a backpack or a parachute to safely land from a height. Participants were randomly assigned to use either a backpack or a parachute and their experiences were recorded and analyzed.

3. What were the results of the study?

The results showed that using a backpack as a parachute was not as effective as using an actual parachute. Participants using the backpack experienced a higher rate of injuries and a lower success rate in landing safely compared to those using a parachute.

4. What factors were considered in the study?

The study took into consideration factors such as weight, size, materials, and design of both the backpack and the parachute. Other factors like wind speed and altitude were also controlled for to ensure accurate results.

5. What are the implications of the study?

The study suggests that using a backpack as a substitute for a parachute in emergency situations may not be a safe option. It is important for individuals to have access to proper safety equipment, such as a parachute, in these situations to increase their chances of a safe landing.

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