If a flight attendant suspects a passenger is experiencing a medical emergency, what is their first step?

When a flight attendant suspects that a passenger is experiencing a medical emergency, the first step should be to assess the situation and provide first aid if trained. This approach is critical for several reasons.

First, quickly assessing the passenger allows the flight attendant to determine the severity of the situation. They can identify whether the passenger is conscious, responsive, and able to communicate their symptoms, which is crucial in delivering appropriate care. Second, if the flight attendant has received first aid training, they can begin to perform necessary interventions right away, which can be vital in stabilizing the passenger until more advanced medical help can be reached.

The other options do not provide a practical approach for immediate assistance. Waiting until the flight lands can delay crucial medical attention, asking the passenger directly may not be sufficient to gauge the seriousness of their condition, and contacting the nearest hospital without first assessing the situation could lead to unnecessary panic or complications during the flight. Therefore, the correct course of action is to assess the situation and provide first aid when trained to do so.