If part of the deployed parachute is caught on the jumper or the equipment, what is the correct response?

The correct response when part of the deployed parachute is caught on the jumper or equipment is to cut away and deploy the reserve. This action is crucial for maintaining safety during a jump.

When a parachute becomes entangled with either the jumper or their equipment, it poses a significant risk to the jumper's ability to control their descent. This situation often leads to complications such as unstable flight or the risk of a hard landing. By cutting away the main parachute, the jumper can eliminate the malfunctioning canopy and its associated hazards.

After cutting away, deploying the reserve parachute is vital. The reserve is a secondary safety device designed for such emergencies, and it should deploy correctly to ensure a safe landing. The simplicity and reliability of a reserve parachute are critical; it should function effectively even if the main parachute has failed or is entangled.

Remaining calm and assessing the situation, attempting to free the caught chute, or attempting to land while still attached to the entangled chute can introduce additional risks and complications, making the cutaway and reserve deployment the prudent choice in this scenario.