Analysis of risk factors for military parachuting injuries among Chinese air force cadet pilots

Parachuting injuries among cadet pilots often occur because they undergo extensive training within a short period of time. To explore the injury mechanism and to prevent injuries, this paper investigated the injury risk factors for the military parachuting of cadet pilots. A prospective study of static line parachute descents by Chinese Air Force cadet pilots was performed. The study indicates that 153 cadet pilots were injured, with a total of 168 injuries. The injury rates associated with extrinsic and intrinsic risk factors were compared and analyzed by using orthogonal multivariate analysis. Landing is the most dangerous part of parachuting, causing 88% of injuries. Extrinsic factors associated with increased injury rates are higher surface wind speed and third-generation protective boots. Intrinsic factors associated with reduced injury rates are excellent mental qualities, excellent parachuting movements, and female cadet pilots. Strengthening parachuting movements and mental qualities, approving jumps only when basic parachuting conditions are met, and improving protective equipment are recommended strategies for preventing parachuting injuries.