Evidence based medicine: Parachute

[Guest guest]

Since there are no evidence based criteria for the use of the parachute, it

would appear that it is simply another one of those " toys " that everybody seems

to want in their airplane just because everybody else is doing it.

If we stop to look carefully at the parachute's deployment, it becomes clear

that those who insist upon using this unproven device will return to earth

just as well without it, and in fact, sooner and with greater impact.

This is just another example of the misuse of scarce available funds to

acquire unproven " toys. " For every parachute purchased, an AED could be placed

in

a public place. The AED is a proven device and the literature on it is

plentiful vs. the absolute dearth of evidence from controlled studies on the

efficacy of the parachute.

Now, in this same vein, I challenge you to find evidence from valid research

of the existence of Santa Claus. I realize that this suggestion may offend

those who insist that anecdotal evidence sufficiently justifies a belief. But

the next few days might afford an opportunity to set up some controlled studies

if IRB approval could be rushed through.

Best,

Mr. Grady

Chair, Committee Researching Anomalous Phenomena