USPA Skydiving B License Practice Test

Higher altitudes can lead to reduced oxygen levels and altitude sickness due to the decrease in atmospheric pressure as altitude increases. As skydivers ascend to higher altitudes, the amount of oxygen available in the air decreases, which can cause the body to experience difficulty in acclimatizing. Symptoms of altitude sickness can include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and nausea, all of which occur because the body is not receiving enough oxygen to function optimally.

In freefall, the effects of altitude can become particularly significant as divers may experience these sensations while also dealing with the physical stresses of jumping and freefalling. Therefore, understanding and recognizing the potential for altitude sickness is essential for ensuring both safety and health during skydiving activities.