What Cabin Crew Members Do During Medical Emergencies

Cabin crew members are highly trained to handle medical emergencies on board the aircraft, aside from being able to evacuate passengers in less than 90 seconds. Anything can happen mid-flight, and flight attendants are responsible for the safety and well-being of all passengers. Medical emergencies can arise at any time, and flight attendants are trained to handle them, even when no medical professionals like doctors or nurses are on board.

This is why flight attendants are considered as safety professionals, as their job entails maintaining the safety and security of all passengers on board. So what do these cabin crew members do when a passenger begins to choke, full extreme dizziness and passes-out, or begins experiencing seizures?

Each airline has different specific procedures for handling medical emergencies for cabin crew members, but the general process remains the same. The response begins with a rapid and thorough assessment of the affected passenger. Flight attendants do not simply glance at the situation; they conduct a focused evaluation to determine the immediate medical concern.

They ask conscious passengers specific questions about their symptoms and medical history to gather essential information. Flight attendants also have detailed knowledge of the onboard medical kits, allowing them to access necessary medications and equipment quickly. They are trained to administer supplemental oxygen and operate medical devices, providing immediate care until further assistance is available.

Effective communication is essential. Cabin crew members immediately inform the flight deck, relaying crucial details about the situation. This keeps the pilots fully aware and allows them to consider possible contingency plans, including emergency landings. They may also make an in-flight announcement asking if any medical professionals, such as doctors or nurses, are among the passengers.

Cabin crew members are trained to handle medical emergencies

If no medical professionals are on board, flight attendants follow their training to manage the emergency. They prioritize the “ABCs” of emergency care:

• Airway – Ensuring a clear passage for breathing
• Breathing – Checking if the passenger is breathing adequately
• Circulation – Confirming the presence of a pulse to assess blood flow

This initial evaluation determines the next steps. Flight attendants are trained in CPR and know how to use Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). Their training equips them to handle various medical situations, from minor injuries to critical conditions like seizures and severe allergic reactions.

Many airlines have systems that allow flight attendants to communicate with ground-based medical professionals for real-time consultations. This ensures expert medical guidance even in an airborne environment. Flight attendants also document all medical incidents, including symptoms, vital signs, and treatments provided. This record is critical for medical personnel who will take over care once the aircraft lands.

To Divert or to Continue to Destination

The pilot makes the final decision on whether to divert the flight, but this decision is based on consultations with medical experts on the ground and, if available, onboard. Several factors influence this decision, including the severity of the passenger’s condition, the availability of medical facilities at alternate airports, and the flight’s remaining duration. Conditions such as cardiac arrest, stroke, or severe allergic reactions may require an immediate diversion.

After any medical emergency, flight crews submit detailed reports and often participate in debriefings to evaluate their response and identify areas for improvement. Regular training is crucial to maintaining flight attendants’ medical response skills. They undergo rigorous simulations and refresher courses during initial and recurrent training sessions to ensure they remain prepared for emergencies.

Airlines also keep medical kits well-stocked and updated with essential medications and equipment, including AEDs. Technological advancements, such as real-time communication with ground-based physicians, have further improved the ability of flight attendants to provide emergency care.

Registered nurses who become flight attendants bring added value to airlines because they already possess extensive medical knowledge. In fact, the first flight attendants in aviation history were nurses. When passengers board an aircraft, they should recognize that the cabin crew is highly trained to handle medical emergencies, ensuring their safety and well-being throughout the flight.