The thrill-seeking parachutist who triggered much concern last Sunday when he jumped off the 290-foot-high Emlenton Bridge should have first considered the possible implications of his action.

Beyond the possibility of his own death, if something went awry, he also put others at risk of injury or worse, had something gone wrong as emergency crews responded to what first was thought to be a suicide attempt.

Firefighters have died in traffic accidents while responding to false alarms and, as the deaths of two members of the Unionville Fire Department's dive team in April 2001 during a river-rescue attempt attest, emergency responders put their personal safety and lives on the line every time they are called to service.

It also would have been tragic if a passing motorist who was distracted by the jumper leaning over the bridge or jumping off would have triggered an accident that claimed someone's life.

In addition, had the jumper been apprehended, he could have been charged with disorderly conduct.

Last Sunday was not the first time such a jump had taken place at the bridge. "We get at least one of these kinds of jumpers a year," said Barry Louise, assistant chief of the Emlenton Volunteer Fire Department.

Such individuals are referred to as BASE jumpers. BASE, the acronym for building, antenna, span, earth, are stationary places from which jumpers leap, giving them a short descent - although 290 feet is hardly a leap from a fence post.

Louise said the height of the bridge and the grass landing area underneath makes the Emlenton span an inviting attraction for BASE jumpers. The land beneath the bridge also apparently is conducive to recording the jump on tape, as is believed to have happened last Sunday.

The jumper in question apparently experienced a safe landing. But if he was hellbent on jumping, he should have chosen a place out of view of others.

Apparently he felt that if something did go awry, he wouldn't die a lonely death.