## What Happens if You Pass Out During a Tandem Skydive?
Tandem skydiving is a thrilling and relatively safe activity, but like any adventure sport, there are inherent risks involved. One of the potential risks is that of passing out during the jump.
### Causes of Passing Out During Tandem Skydiving
There are several factors that can contribute to passing out during a tandem skydive, including:
Sudden decompression: When the aircraft reaches altitude, the air pressure outside the plane drops significantly. This can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, which can lead to lightheadedness and fainting.
Anxiety and stress: Tandem skydiving can be a nerve-racking experience, and the stress of the jump can trigger a vasovagal response. This response causes a drop in blood pressure and heart rate, which can lead to fainting.
Hypoxia: Hypoxia is a condition that occurs when there is not enough oxygen in the blood. This can happen if the skydiver does not breathe properly during the jump or if they are at a high altitude for an extended period of time.
Cardiac arrhythmias: Cardiac arrhythmias are abnormal heart rhythms. These can be caused by a variety of factors, including anxiety, stress, or underlying heart conditions.
### Signs and Symptoms of Passing Out During Tandem Skydiving
The signs and symptoms of passing out during a tandem skydive can include:
Lightheadedness
Dizziness
Nausea
Blurred vision
Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
Weakness
Confusion
Loss of consciousness
### What Happens if You Pass Out During a Tandem Skydive?
If you pass out during a tandem skydive, your tandem instructor will take the following steps:
1. Stabilize you: Your instructor will grab you by the chest or shoulders and pull you into a stable position.
2. Open your reserve parachute: Your instructor will reach for your reserve parachute handle and pull it to deploy the parachute.
3. Land safely: Your instructor will guide you to a safe landing.
### Risks of Passing Out During a Tandem Skydive
Passing out during a tandem skydive can be dangerous, but the risks are relatively low. The most serious risk is that of hypoxia, which can lead to brain damage or death. Other risks include:
Injury from hitting the ground: If you pass out during freefall, you could hit the ground hard and suffer serious injuries.
Injury from hitting the aircraft: If you pass out during the climb to altitude, you could hit the aircraft and suffer serious injuries.
Drowning: If you pass out during a water landing, you could drown.
### How to Reduce the Risk of Passing Out During a Tandem Skydive
There are several things you can do to reduce the risk of passing out during a tandem skydive, including:
Talk to your doctor: Before you go skydiving, talk to your doctor about your medical history and any concerns you have. Your doctor can help you determine if you are healthy enough to skydive and can recommend ways to reduce your risk of passing out.
Get a good night’s sleep: Getting a good night’s sleep before your jump will help you feel refreshed and alert.
Eat a healthy breakfast: Eating a healthy breakfast will give you the energy you need for your jump.
Avoid caffeine and alcohol: Caffeine and alcohol can dehydrate you and make you more susceptible to passing out.
Hydrate: Drink plenty of water before and during your jump.
Breathe properly: When you are skydiving, it is important to breathe properly. This means breathing deeply and slowly through your nose and mouth.
Stay calm: If you feel anxious or stressed, try to stay calm and focus on your breathing.
### Conclusion
Passing out during a tandem skydive is a rare but potential risk. However, by taking the proper precautions, you can significantly reduce your risk of passing out and enjoy a safe and thrilling skydiving experience.