None of us would be here without these bits of parachute ripcords (5)
I believe the answer is:
uteri
'none of us would be here without these bits' is the definition.
(plural of uterus)
'of parachute ripcords' is the wordplay.
'of' says the answer is hidden in the clue.
'UTERI' can be found hidden inside 'parachute ripcords'.
(Other definitions for uteri that I've seen before include "Wombs" , "baby carriers" , "several organs" , "organs, in hospital patients" , "Organs reproducing" .)