What should you do if a passenger has a medical emergency during the flight?

In the event of a medical emergency on board, alerting the captain and following established procedures for providing assistance is the appropriate course of action. This response is crucial because the flight crew is trained to handle emergencies effectively and has protocols in place to ensure that the situation is managed safely and efficiently.

By notifying the captain, you enable the cockpit crew to assess the situation and make any necessary decisions, such as coordinating with medical professionals on the ground or determining if a diversion to another airport is needed. The procedures in place typically include using onboard medical equipment, assessing the passenger's condition, and following guidance from any qualified medical personnel who may be on board.

Continuing service without addressing a medical emergency can lead to deteriorating conditions for the affected passenger and pose safety risks for all passengers on the flight. Seeking help from other passengers without first alerting the captain could result in chaotic situations or delays in providing necessary assistance. Additionally, making a decision to land the plane immediately might be excessive if the emergency can be managed onboard, so arrival at that decision should only come after assessing the full context of the situation with the captain's input.