As an airline manager, you may face situations where you need to communicate with flight attendants during a medical emergency on board. How can you ensure that you provide clear, timely, and effective instructions and support to your crew and passengers? Here are some tips to help you handle this challenging scenario.
The first step is to assess the situation and determine the severity and urgency of the medical emergency. You can do this by asking the flight attendant to describe the symptoms, vital signs, and medical history of the patient, as well as the location and condition of the aircraft. You may also need to consult with a ground-based medical service or a doctor on board if available. Based on this information, you can decide whether to divert the flight, continue to the destination, or request an emergency landing.
Here are some best practices for passengers to communicate with flight attendants; 1.Alert the Cabin Crew: They are trained to handle emergencies and will take charge of the situation. 2.Provide Clear Information: Mention any symptoms, allergies, or pre-existing conditions. If you’re not the affected person, provide as much information as possible about the patient. 3.Stay Calm and Cooperative: Remain calm and follow the instructions given by the flight attendants. 4.Assistance from Medical Professionals:If you have medical expertise, identify yourself to assist. 5.Use Simple Language: Visual aids like hand gestures can also help convey information. 6.Follow Flight Crew Instructions. 7. As for flight crew always keep your skills sharp
- Breath and pause: Use a calm voice to inform the all flight members that you are facing a medical emergency. - Also, ask through the speakers if there are any Registered Medical Professional onboard who can help to handle this medical emergency. - Get clear and objective information about the event: Is the casualty, conscious or unconscious? Is he or she breathing or not breathing? Does he or she has pulse or no pulse? Changes on those represent red flags for more serious emergencies. Ask flight attendants to provide you a brief and structured information about the event. - If this medical emergency can not be handled up in the air the emergency landing must commence. - Maintain the passengers informed: Be short and sweet.
Once, on a short flight from Las Vegas to San Jose, I assisted a person having difficulty breathing. I was sitting next to the woman who was going downhill very quickly as I was assessing her (I am an EMT) so I quickly got the attention of a Flight Attendant.
In a medical emergency on a flight, clear and concise communication is vital. Press the call button, alert a crew member, or shout "Medical emergency!" Use the universal "Dr." title if applicable. Describe the situation calmly, provide details, and follow instructions. Flight attendants are trained to respond swiftly, ensuring the best care and support in such critical moments.
The second step is to communicate clearly and calmly with the flight attendant and other crew members. You should use simple and direct language, avoid jargon and acronyms, and repeat or confirm important messages. You should also maintain a professional and reassuring tone, and avoid showing panic or frustration. You should also communicate with the pilot and inform them of the situation and your decisions. If possible, you should also update the passengers and keep them calm and informed.
During ground based training, it is worth teaching cabin staff that they will be expected to read back instructions before any required actions, and to take their time to do so precisely. This not only confirms correct receipt of the task but also instils confidence in the crew and makes it more likely they will complete instructions correctly.
The third step is to delegate and coordinate tasks among the flight attendant and other crew members. You should assign specific roles and responsibilities, such as administering first aid, contacting ground services, preparing equipment, or assisting passengers. You should also monitor the progress and performance of the tasks, and provide feedback and guidance as needed. You should also be flexible and adaptable, and adjust your plans according to the changing situation.
The fourth step is to document and report the incident as soon as possible. You should record the details of the medical emergency, such as the time, location, patient information, actions taken, and outcomes. You should also collect any relevant evidence, such as medical records, witness statements, or photographs. You should then report the incident to the appropriate authorities, such as the airline, the airport, or the regulatory agencies. You should also follow up with the patient, the crew, and the passengers, and provide any necessary support or assistance.
The fifth step is to learn and improve from the experience. You should review the incident and evaluate your communication skills and effectiveness. You should also identify any strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, or threats that emerged during the emergency. You should then seek feedback from the flight attendant, the crew, the passengers, and other stakeholders, and listen to their perspectives and suggestions. You should also update your knowledge, skills, and procedures, and implement any changes or improvements that can enhance your communication in future emergencies.
The sixth step is to train and prepare yourself and your crew for potential medical emergencies. You should participate in regular and realistic simulations and drills that test your communication skills and scenarios. You should also review and update your policies, protocols, and manuals, and ensure that they are clear, consistent, and accessible. You should also equip yourself and your crew with the necessary tools and resources, such as radios, phones, intercoms, or medical kits. You should also maintain a positive and proactive attitude, and foster a culture of communication and collaboration among your team.