Yes a parachute is a life saving apparatus for those who are falling out of planes.

My guess is that they either jumped out or fell out. Did you happen to see a Plane around, this would explain those falling.

As far as who they were or what it was for I do not know. perhaps next time you can drive to where they land and ask them. I do know that the ISF does parachuting I have not heard of anyone else doing so.