Do you Need a Medical to Skydive?

It is impossible to imagine a more thrilling adventure than skydiving. There’s a sense of adventure and the chance to see the world from a fresh perspective. It is an exciting experience to skydive in London at the top of a chute, flying as high as you can, before paragliding to the ground below. Depending on which type of skydive you choose, the height of the jump is between 3,000 and 15,000 feet. The training class will prepare you thoroughly before you take part in this activity, and it’s one of the safest places to try it. Find out where the best skydiving spots in this city are when planning your next adventure.

A skydiver must be in good health in order to take part in the activity. According to the British Parachute Association, Skydive requires every jumper to submit a Declaration of Fitness. You must read the Student Tandem Parachutist Declaration Form (Form 115A) to determine your medical eligibility to go skydiving. For details, please refer to the following information in this article.

In terms of age and weight, there are some basic considerations to take into account

AGE RESTRICTIONS

In order to participate in a skydive, you must meet certain age requirements. The minimum age for tandem skydiving is 16 years of age, there is no upper age limit. Please be aware that if you are under the age of 18, you will need to obtain written consent from your parent or guardian in order to participate in this activity. It is likely that the skydiving facility will have a membership agreement form that will be required to be signed by a parent or guardian and that will include a statement stating that their consent is granted for you to participate in the skydive. There may also be a “declaration of fitness” form that needs to be signed by your parent or guardian in addition to the Skydive Center’s requirements. This form confirms that you are physically and mentally fit to participate in the skydive. It’s important to bring identification with you that shows your age or date of birth, as the facility may require proof of your age before allowing you to participate.

Until a few years ago, people over the age of 40 did need to have a medical form signed. But that is no longer the case. Once you are 70 or older, and have any of those medical conditions (high blood pressure, cardiovascular and neurological conditions) listed on form 115A, you must complete form 115B and see your doctor. A person over 70 years old (upper age limit) is expected to contact the Chief Instructor before booking, but there is no maximum age. Anyone who is 70 or older must submit a Medical Advice Form (Doctor’s certificate form 115b).

WEIGHT RESTRICTIONS

There are often weight restrictions in place at skydiving facilities in order to ensure the safety of the participants. In order to ensure that both the participant and the equipment being used are within safe limits, these restrictions are based on a risk assessment and are intended for both safety reasons.

In the case you mentioned, the weight restriction for tandem jumping is 14 stone, or 89 kilograms. As a consequence, anyone weighing more than this amount will not be able to participate in a tandem skydive if their weight exceeds this amount. Tandem skydiving is a sport where two people are paired with an instructor who is responsible for deploying the parachute and ensuring that they land safely at the end of their jump. There is a weight restriction in place to ensure that the instructor and equipment are able to handle an additional kilogram or two of weight that the participant may carry. It’s important to note that these weight restrictions may vary from facility to facility, so it’s a good idea to check with the specific facility you are planning to visit to find out their specific weight restrictions.

If necessary, the Chief Instructor may increase the weight by 15 stone (up to 95 kg). Generally, this is done only for men, and it depends on the individual’s physical condition, their age, as well as their height and weight. The CI must be contacted for clarification on this before the trip. Female tandem students with high body mass index will also be considered for risk assessment.

Forms and everything related to medical care

There are two types of medical forms you’ll need if you plan to go tandem skydiving within the UK – 115A or 115B. Both forms are simple ‘self-declarations of fitness’ and a ‘medical certificate by a doctor.

It is very important that you select the one that is most suitable for your health condition. Choosing the right one for you is a vital decision. The sport’s governing body, British Skydiving, created the forms, so failing to use them would mean that you would be unable to jump. When you’re done reading, you should be familiar with which forms to carry with you on the day.

A reminder: If you are planning to take a solo skydiving course rather than a tandem skydiving experience, the application process may differ slightly from what you are used to. Read on for more information on the topic.

Though both medical forms are available, which one to use?

There are some fairly straightforward steps involved in the process. The form 115A, the ‘self-declaration of fitness,’ must be read by anyone intending to do a tandem skydive. If everything there make sense to you, then you can, you sign it. It is all you need to do to bring it with you on the day of jumping: Simply print it, sign it, and bring it.

In the event that you have any of the medical concerns listed in the above form, skydiving is still possible. The 115B, the doctor’s medical form or certificate, is something you must take to your doctor or medical professional, who must then sign and stamp it. Just bring the document along with you when you go for your dive. Send them only on the day of the jump, we will need them when you check in at the reception or the instructor.

Keep in mind its importance!

A skydiver’s medical condition can range from perfect health at one end to mild, rarely occurring symptoms of no concern, to moderate symptoms, to severe symptoms. As the symptom range nears its low point, there is always a margin for uncertainty. It may be particularly relevant to certain diseases or underlying conditions that are unattended or underlying that can cause danger during the jump and may require medical attention. It is becoming more and more common, and one needs to get a checkup beforehand and respect the doctor’s decision.

In case you suspect that they are simply not considering their own risk, it may be worth pointing them out to the final paragraph in form 115B. A doctor advising a candidate to parachute does not guarantee the candidate will not be injured. It’s always a good idea to consider the point before risking your life, whether it’s for the better or for the worse.

Are these the same forms in case of solo or static line training?

Not at all. When you intend to do solo skydiving training, you will need to complete slightly different forms. In addition to the above information, you will need to complete these forms:

115C – Solo Student Declaration of Fitness
115D – Solo Student Parachutist Doctor’s Medical Certificate

Summarizing everything you need to know before you jump!

If you are planning on skydiving, here are some things to keep in mind:

Before you engage in any high-impact or physically demanding activity, it is recommended that you consult your doctor first to determine whether the activity is safe for you to participate in.
During the skydiving process, you should disclose any health conditions you have. To avoid any major injuries, it is important to disclose any medical conditions before jumping. You may need to take special precautions if you have certain conditions that prevent you from skydiving.
Safety guidelines are enforced by skydiving facilities to ensure the safety of participants. It is important to follow all instructions given by the facility and instructors to ensure that any potential risks are minimized.
Clothing should be comfortable and loose-fitting so that you are not restricted in your movement. While jumping, avoid wearing anything sharp or bulky that may cause injury.
You may experience dizziness, fatigue, and other symptoms if you are dehydrated while skydiving. To stay hydrated, make sure you drink plenty of water before and after the jump.

There is no doubt that skydiving is a thrilling and memorable experience, but there are certain safety precautions you should take in order to keep yourself as safe as possible.

We hope this information has introduced you to the various medical forms you’ll need to fill out before jumping. Feel free to contact us for any medical advice you might need.