Random question out of nowhere

[FeNeF]

I've been wondering about this for some reason.

Say someone (150 lbs for the sake of argument) falls out of a 5th storey window. What would happen if you (also 150 lbs) stood under them and tried to "catch" them, or at least break their fall? Would you break your back? Would it help them survive? What if you just lay down and tried to act as a human airbag?

[CallMeIshmael]

My initial thought is to try to "catch" them. I know it wont be successful, but I do it in hopes that I can slow their velocity withour risking serious injury to myself.

[EricW]

Ummm, this can be solved with a simple physics equation.

I haven't taken physics in few years but the answer is really simple. But I can tell that you would not be able to break their fall because they're accelerating for too long and you'd never be able to stop the force.

[MrWookie]

EricWisright, but I'm also too lazy to do the physics.

[Mi_T_Sharp]

[ QUOTE ]
EricWisright, but I don't even need to do the physics.

[/ QUOTE ]

[FeNeF]

I don't mean you'll actually be able to catch them (ie they don't hit the ground), but could you lessen their injuries? Slow them down a bit, maybe provide a softer surface for their head to slam into than the concrete? I don't think this is just a physics question..

[Bork]

You would definitely lessen their injuries but they would probably still die and you are likely to get seriously injured or die as well.

[phil_ivey_fan]

is the falling person someone you care about or just a stranger. I lack empathy (so I'm told by my gf) and would dodge a stranger and try to catch few close friends and loved ones.

technically: any obstruction you provide with you body from just letting them fall through your arms to having them land directly on your chest will mitigate the impact to a relative extent (for simplicity think 1st law of thermo and for more detail, think of 2nd law of thermo).

[Mi_T_Sharp]

This question reminds me of one that Jerry Seinfeld once asked.....

Why do sky divers wear helmets?

[john voight]

the injuryies may result in internal bleeding. (ppl usually think only external means damage)If a body is flying @ 50MPH and hits a softer surface (such as human) the impact will still cause vital organs to rupture (brain, etc..). Furthermore external bleeding will also accure (ever see head to head collision in basketball?)

imo death is possible as well as survival for both parties. the question is... what is the ratio? The reatio is depandant on the fall. You need an almost perfect fall to survive imo.