What should you do if you experience a total parachute malfunction?

In the event of a total parachute malfunction, the most critical action is to deploy the reserve parachute. This procedure is key to ensuring the skydiver’s safety, as a total malfunction means that the main parachute has failed to deploy or is no longer functioning. The reserve parachute serves as a backup and is designed to deploy correctly under emergency circumstances.

The urgency of deploying the reserve parachute lies in the need to manage altitude and descent rate to avoid a potentially fatal situation. Skydivers are trained to recognize the signs of a malfunction and to respond promptly by following emergency procedures, which emphasize the deployment of the reserve parachute as a first response rather than attempting to fix or troubleshoot the main parachute while in freefall.

Moreover, waiting until landing or attempting maneuvers like a barrel roll would significantly increase the risk of injury or fatality, as neither action addresses the immediate need for a stable descent and landing. Prioritizing the use of the reserve parachute is grounded in emergency protocols that maximize the chance of a safe landing and demonstrate sound decision-making under pressure.