Injury profile for airborne operations utilizing the SF-10A maneuverable parachute.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this investigation was to determine the injury profile of the steerable, SF-10A, static-line parachute. METHODS: The investigation evaluated prospectively 972 low-level static-line training jumps for major injuries that required CASEVAC from the drop zone and for minor injuries that allowed the jumpers to continue with their training mission. RESULTS: The investigation found overall injury rates to be 8.23 per 1000 jumps, with 2.03 per 1000 jumps requiring CASEVAC. CONCLUSIONS: Overall attrition rates of the steerable SF-10A parachute were below those of previously reported non-steerable parachutes, suggesting further evaluation is warranted of maneuverable parachutes in all military services.