You're faced with a medical emergency at the airport. How do you handle passengers in need of urgent care?

1 Assess Quickly

When a medical emergency occurs, time is of the essence. Your first step should be to quickly assess the situation to determine the severity of the passenger's condition. Look for visible signs of distress, such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, or unresponsiveness. It's important to stay calm and provide reassurance to the individual and those around them. Immediately call for professional medical assistance, either through the airport's own medical team or local emergency services.

2 Clear Space

In the midst of a medical emergency, creating a safe environment is paramount. You need to clear the immediate area to give the person in distress and medical personnel enough space to work. Politely ask bystanders to step back and ensure that there is a clear path for emergency responders to reach the patient quickly. This not only aids in the efficient delivery of care but also helps maintain order in a potentially chaotic situation.

3 Communicate Clearly

Effective communication can significantly impact the outcome of a medical emergency. Relay concise and accurate information to emergency responders about the patient's condition and location. Use airport signage and public address systems to direct medical personnel and keep other passengers informed without causing panic. Maintain a line of communication with the affected passenger's travel companions, if present, to provide support and gather any necessary personal or medical information.

4 Provide First Aid

If you're trained in first aid, you may need to provide immediate assistance while waiting for medical professionals to arrive. Ensure that a first aid kit is readily available and use it as necessary. Simple actions like applying pressure to a wound or positioning someone to prevent choking can be lifesaving. Remember, never attempt any medical procedures beyond your level of training and expertise.

5 Support the Responders

Once medical responders arrive, your role shifts to supporting their efforts. This may involve helping with crowd control, facilitating access to the patient's travel documents, or assisting with language barriers. Remain available to offer any additional information about the incident that could aid in the patient's treatment and ensure that airport operations continue to run smoothly around the emergency site.