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COPYRIGHT 2006 University of South Alabama
BASE jumping is the sport of using a parachute to jump from fixed objects. This activity is ranked as being among the most dangerous sports in the world (Pedersen, 1997). "BASE" is an acronym that represents the four categories of fixed objects that one can jump off; these categories include building, antenna, span (i.e., bridge, arch, or dome), and earth (i.e., cliff). BASE jumping developed out of skydiving although there are several major differences that make BASE jumping more dangerous than its predecessor. First, BASE jumps are made from lower altitudes than skydives. BASE jumpers often jump off objects less than 500 feet above ground level (AGL) whereas 2,000 feet AGL is the lowest recommended altitude in which to initiate parachute deployment among the most experienced skydivers (Unites States Parachute Association, 2004). In parachuting, higher parachute deployment altitudes result in more time to recognize and deal with potential problems. By making jumps at lower altitudes, BASE jumpers give up the safety margins that are standard in skydiving. Second, the BASE jump is often initiated off of an object (e.g., cliff, tower, antenna, or building) which puts the jumper in very close proximity to it upon canopy extraction whereas skydivers need only be concerned about other skydivers or aircraft when initiating deployment. An off-heading opening (i.e., canopy opens in a turn) for a BASE jumper could result in a collision with the object. Third, the BASE jumper typically has less airspeed than a skydiver which is a major risk factor. Skydivers use the air flow to stabilize their body position, allowing the parachute to deploy cleanly. BASE jumpers have less aerodynamic control and may tumble. The attitude of the body at the moment of jumping determines the stability of flight in the first few seconds. On low BASE jumps, parachute deployment takes place during the early phase of flight (i.e., several seconds after jumping) so a poor "exit" may lead to a tumble and it may not be able to be corrected prior to opening and a higher risk of entanglement or malfunction can result. Fourth, most BASE rigs have only one parachute, whereas the vast majority of skydiving rigs have two parachutes (i.e., main and reserve). In other words, few BASE jumpers use a back-up parachute because the low deployment altitudes often make the reserve parachute irrelevant. Fifth, BASE jumpers often have more technical landings compared to skydivers. Skydivers typically have a 3-5 minute canopy ride following deployment with large unobstructed landing areas. It is not uncommon for BASE jumpers to have a 10-15 second canopy ride along with very small landing areas and they often have to avoid rocks, cactus, rivers, cars, and uneven surfaces because of where these fixed objects are located. All of these differences should be pointed out to demonstrate that although BASE jumpers face similar risks as skydivers, the probabilities of mishaps are greater among BASE jumpers because they face more challenges, thus the potential for injury or death is greater.
The authors are not aware of any data regarding injuries or fatalities related to BASE jumping. There is, however, some information regarding injuries and fatalities resulting from skydiving. There are several studies (Amamilo, Samuel, Hesketh, & Moynthan, 1987; Baiju & James, 2003; Dawson, Asghar, Pryke, & Slater, 1998; Ellitsgaard, 1987; Ellisgaard & Ellitsgaard, 1988; Steinberg, 1988; Straiton & Sterland, 1986) that have examined civilian skydiving injuries. The incidence of civilian parachute injuries has been found to range from .02 to .20% (Ellitsgaard, 1987; Lee, Williams, & Hadden, 1999; Straiton & Sterland, 1986) although there are few consistencies among the studies regarding research designs, populations, and definitions of an injury. In other words, research has found that an injury occurred every 500-5,000 jumps among civilian skydivers. Most of what is known about skydiving injuries is from studies that assessed military training. A recent review reported the injury incidence to be 6 per 1,000 skydives (Bricknell & Craig, 1999). Gloriosa and his colleagues (1999) examined the type of injuries resulting from freefall parachute training and the most common injuries were fractures (35.5%), sprains/strains (34.7%), and dislocations (9.9%). The most commonly injured sites included the lower extremities (52.5%), upper extremities (19.8%), and spine (14.9%). By far, landing was the most frequent mechanism of injury (62%). Baiju and James (2003) argued that civilian skydivers are more likely to suffer an injury resulting from skydiving because of less rigorous training and poorer physical conditioning of civilians compared to military parachutists.
Individuals who partake in BASE-jumping face the reality and...
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