A flight at an altitude of 10,000 meters is usually calm and comfortable, but sometimes emergencies arise and require immediate reaction from passengers and crew. What to do if the situation becomes unusual? The main thing is not to panic! In fact, your hand luggage can become very useful, as even ordinary change can help in an emergency situation. Yes, it would seem that even the most ordinary and everyday things can significantly change the situation. So here we are going to tell you what to do, how to use handy things, including a coin identifier app, to help and protect yourself and others.
Rescue Plan: What to Do in an Onboard Emergency
Emergency situations rarely give you time to think. It is important to quickly regain your composure, not to be confused and to act. Let's understand what exactly you need to do to cope with any difficult situation.
Step 1: Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
When something unusual happens, our brain triggers an automatic pattern of behavior: either “hit” or “run”. Here, it is very important to come to your senses quickly and keep a cool head to consciously take control of your emotions.
What You Need to Do
First of all, pay attention to your breathing and try to breathe correctly. You need to take slow deep inhalations and exhalations. This will help to restore your heart rate and concentration.
Then you need to understand what occurred and what is happening. To do this, carefully assess the situation: who needs help, whether there is a danger to you and others, and what exactly caused the accident.
If, in general, the situation is unusual but not critical, focus on specific actions. Panic is paralyzing, but concrete steps give you control, so it's time to think about how you can help other passengers or the crew.
Useful to know: Scientific studies show that calmness reduces the risk of making wrong decisions by 60%. People who pause to analyze a situation act more effectively. Also, calmness as well as panic is contagious (that's how the human brain works). If you remain in control, it inspires others around you to act confidently as well.
Step 2: Follow the Crew's Instructions
Flight attendants undergo special training to deal with any emergencies. Listen to their instructions and follow directions clearly.
What to Do
Locate the nearest flight attendant. If the situation allows, inform them of the problem.
Listen to commands. For example, if you need to put on an oxygen mask, do it first, even if children or elderly people, who may need your help are nearby.
Follow directions: flight attendants will tell you where to go or what to do.
Lifehack: At the beginning of the flight, make a note of the nearest emergency exit. If necessary, move to it on the flight attendant's command. Do not try to take your belongings and luggage with you. In darkness or smoke, this can save precious seconds.
Step 3: Use All Available Tools to Help Yourself and Others
You have limited access to tools on board, so any items on hand can be a lifesaver. For example, you may refer to the table below.
Item | What it can be used for | How you may use it |
Coins | Stabilization, balance weights, grounding devices | Coins can be used to make small weights: put them in a cloth or pouch. |
Belt | Stop bleeding, fixation of an injured limb. | If a tourniquet is needed, tighten the belt over the wound (remember to note the time of tourniquet application). Wrap the belt around the limb to secure it. |
Magazines | Splinting of injured limbs, protection from cold. | Wrap a magazine around the injured area and secure it with a belt or clothing. |
Clothes | Thermal insulation, wound dressing. | Unwrap or cut up clothing to make bandages or insulation. |
Pen or pencil | Finger restraints or improvised pins. | Tie a pen to the injured finger to keep it immobile. |
Interesting fact: In some cases, you may need to eliminate accumulated static charge. Metal coins, especially those containing copper, are great for this. Copper is highly conductive and using a coin as a ground can help avoid equipment damage or passenger discomfort. And to quickly identify and determine the details of a coin (including its composition), you can use the modern and convenient Coin ID Scanner app.
Step 4: Act Based on the Emergency Situation
Each situation requires a different strategy. Let's look at the most likely scenarios that can happen on board.
Loss of cabin pressure
Oxygen masks fall out automatically. Your task is to put the mask on immediately. But help yourself first before you take care of others! Keep the mask on your face until the crew informs you that the pressure has been restored.
Fire on board or smoke
If the source of the fire is close, use a fire extinguisher or fill the hearth with water from glasses or bottles. If smoke spreads, cover nose and mouth with a damp cloth. When evacuating, move to the bottom of the cab to minimize smoke inhalation.
Medical Incident
First of all, make sure the injured person is breathing. If not, start indirect cardiac massage (one hand rests on the other, elbows straightened, presses on the chest in the heart area with a frequency of 100-120 times per minute to a depth of about 5-6 cm in adults; alternate with artificial respiration - 2 breaths per 30 presses). Then use the first aid kit on board: it contains basic medicines and equipment.
Step 5: Provide Possible Assistance
Once the emergency is under control, it is important to minimize the effects on passenger health and comfort.
What to Do
Assist those who are in shock. Talk to them to reduce their anxiety.
Organize the collection of warm clothes and water for the injured.
If the airplane has made an emergency landing, help others leave the cabin in a safe manner.
Tip: Emergencies are often less stressful if you are prepared in advance for possible scenarios. So, it makes sense to familiarize yourself with the safety rules on board in advance (study the relevant cards); to learn basic first aid skills; to clarify where the emergency exits and medical kits are located.
Your Rescue Formula
Airplane emergencies are rare, but they can happen to anyone. Knowing the key steps and creative use of improvised means will give you confidence in any situation. The main thing is not to lose your composure, follow the crew's instructions and use all available resources, including your own knowledge. And then even the smallest change in your pocket can become the key to rescue, if you know how to use it correctly.