Medical Emergencies at 30,000 Feet: The Hidden Protocols of Cabin Crew
At 30,000 feet in the air, experiencing any kind of emergency is a daunting prospect, though such situations are often beyond our control. Fortunately, major medical incidents on airplanes are relatively rare. Del Willden, a former flight attendant with British Airways for 26 years, reports that he encountered only two such emergencies during his entire career as cabin crew.
Seeking Medical Help in the Skies
If a medical emergency does occur, there are little-known protocols that staff must follow. Del, who served as a purser or Senior Cabin Crew Manager, has shared these details, including a surprising fact about cabin crew training that most Brits are unaware of. In the event of a medical crisis, cabin crew always begin by asking passengers if there is a medical professional on board.
While they ideally seek a doctor, nurse, or paramedic, there is one other profession from which help can be accepted, and it might come as a surprise. Del explains, "We were always told that if a medical professional didn’t come forward, but a vet came forward and was prepared to help, we were allowed to accept that." However, before assistance begins, the individual must sign a form of indemnity, typically only in severe situations that warrant urgent intervention.
Cabin Crew Training and First Aid Response
Until someone volunteers, cabin crew provide as much first aid as possible. Del emphasizes that their training in this area is far more rigorous than most Brits realize. "Until a professional came forward, we would act accordingly. So if it was a heart attack, we’d commence CPR immediately, while another crew member would gather equipment, like a defibrillator and oxygen, and someone else would keep the captain informed of the situation," he says.
In addition to CPR, Del was trained to deliver a baby, preparing for the possibility of someone going into labor during a flight. If no experts are available, cabin crew can contact MedLink, a company that provides medical advice during emergencies. Each plane also carries a special medical kit known as an M5, with half designated for crew use and the other half for professional medical purposes.
Other Types of Emergencies: Pre-Planned and Catastrophic
Beyond medical crises, Del notes that flight attendants may face two other emergency types: pre-planned and catastrophic. A pre-planned emergency develops during a flight, with protocols in place for response, such as losing hydraulics for landing. In such cases, the captain issues an "alert call" over the PA system, summoning the senior cabin crew to the flight deck immediately.
Crew members then receive a "NITS" breakdown—standing for nature, intention, time, and special instructions. For example, with lost hydraulics, the nature is the system failure, the intention might be to dump fuel, and time could be 45 minutes until landing. Special instructions might include not evacuating immediately after landing. Passengers are then briefed through PA announcements, played twice to ensure comprehension, as initial shock can hinder absorption of information.
Catastrophic Emergencies: Instinct and Training
For catastrophic emergencies, like a plane crash, there is no time for preparation. Del states that staff must act instinctively based on their training. "If you survive whatever is happening, there’s no time involved to make a plan, you basically, based on your training, would have to use your instincts and find a way to get passengers out of the plane. But before you open any doors, the most crucial step would be to look for fire or any other kind of danger," he explains.
This insight into aviation safety protocols highlights the extensive preparation and adaptability required of cabin crew, ensuring passenger well-being even in the most challenging scenarios at high altitudes.
