How do I breathe in feefall ?
Through genetically developed gills. Generally, breathing is not a problem in freefall. However, due to the high speed of terminal fall, the jumper’s body is exposed to more O2 molecules at a much higher rate than someone walking around on the ground. The body is able to absorb the necessary O2 through skin. This is why jumpers flamp their cheeks in freefall, it presents a larger surface area to the airstream for oxygen osmosis. Once under canopy, the jumper resumes breaking normally. This is also why jumpers do not jump on cloudy days or when they might risk going through clouds. The moisture in clouds can condense on their exposed skin surfaces preventing the absoption of the necessary oxygen resulting in suffocation. However, the cloudy sceners are usually avoided for not only jumpers, but also pilots flying the airplane.
