Aim: To determine the frequency and severity of accidents in a population of BASE jumpers (people who jump with parachute from a fixed object such as from a cliff).
Methods: To determine the frequency and characteristics of BASE jumping accidents, a cross-sectional survey of experienced BASE jumpers was completed.
Results: 35 BASE jumpers enrolled in the study. Findings revealed that there were approximately 9914 jumps made and the estimated rate of injury was 0.4%. 39 accidents involving 21 (60%) BASE jumpers were found. 28 accidents (72%) predominantly involved the lower limbs, 12 (31%) involved the back/spine, 7 (18%) the upper limbs, and 1 (3%) was a head injury.
Conclusion: BASE jumping is associated with a high risk of serious injury and appears to be significantly more dangerous than skydiving.