First Aid and Medical Emergencies
The primary survey
Use DRABC: Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, Circulation. Know how to assess an unconscious passenger, open the airway, and check breathing for up to 10 seconds. Understand when to start CPR and how to use an AED, including the rule that the AED prompts guide the shocks.
Common in-flight emergencies
Candidates must recognise the signs and initial actions for fainting, chest pain, choking, seizure, asthma, allergic reaction, and suspected stroke. Know the recovery position, the Heimlich manoeuvre for choking, and the use of the onboard medical kit and oxygen.
Traps in questions
- Assuming a fainting passenger should be given water immediately; first lie them down and elevate the legs.
- Forgetting to ask for a medical professional on board via PA.
- Confusing the recovery position with CPR.
- Not recording times and observations for the commander and ground medical support.
Rule of thumb
If a passenger is unresponsive and not breathing normally, start CPR and call for the AED. If breathing, place in the recovery position and monitor.
Worked example
A question asks what to do first for a choking adult who can still cough. The answer is to encourage coughing and monitor; back blows and abdominal thrusts are for ineffective coughing.