What should a flight attendant do if a passenger goes into cardiac arrest during a flight?

When a passenger goes into cardiac arrest during a flight, the most appropriate and immediate response is to call for assistance, retrieve the AED (Automated External Defibrillator), and begin CPR as per training. This approach is critical for several reasons.

First, timely intervention is vital in cardiac arrest situations, as each minute without effective circulation significantly decreases the chances of survival. By calling for assistance, the flight attendant can mobilize other crew members to help and ensure that the situation is managed effectively. Retrieving the AED is essential, as this device can provide life-saving shocks to restore a normal heart rhythm, and it is designed to be used by individuals with training.

Additionally, beginning CPR is important since it helps to circulate blood to vital organs until further medical assistance can be provided, such as the use of an AED or the arrival of emergency medical services upon landing. The training received by flight attendants prepares them for these high-stress emergency scenarios, enabling them to act swiftly and effectively.

In contrast, waiting for the plane to land or merely informing other passengers would delay critical care and diminish the chances of survival for the affected individual. Likewise, while using the onboard intercom to announce the situation might inform passengers, it does not contribute to immediate life-saving actions