TL;DR: With over 319,006 annual takeoffs and landings at Salt Lake City Airport, the health of passengers is a crucial concern. Medical emergencies, like cardiac arrest, can happen mid-flight, and cabin crews are often the first responders. CPR training for cabin crews is essential for immediate response, increasing passenger trust, and meeting global aviation safety standards. It helps handle emergencies quickly, reassures passengers, and fulfills airlines’ duty of care. For airlines and flight attendants, CPR training in Salt Lake City ensures preparedness and enhances passenger safety, even at 30,000 feet.
Many people prefer planes as their mode of travel, and the Salt Lake City Airport witnesses over 319,006 takeoffs and landings each year. Those planes are full of passengers eager to reach their destinations. One thing many don’t think about when looking at those excited faces is each person’s health condition.
What happens if one of those passengers collapses or experiences medical distress mid-flight? Who is there to help them? In such scenarios, the cabin crew steps in as the first line of defense. Airplane crew members wear many hats: greeter, attendant, server, and, in extreme situations, first responder.
When a plane is thousands of feet above the ocean, the flight attendants are usually the only ones who can provide high-quality medical assistance. However, that’s only possible if they have comprehensive CPR training.
In this article, we’ll focus on the 3 reasons why airlines should prioritize CPR training for cabin crews and how that improves passenger safety.
How Often Do Medical Emergencies Happen During Flights
Most flights tend to be uneventful, but medical emergencies still occur occasionally. According to some medical studies, there are approximately 18.2 emergency events per million passengers worldwide. The cabin crew handles around 70% of these incidents successfully. The most common medical emergencies that happen on planes include:
- Loss of consciousness: Flyers can faint due to dehydration, low blood sugar, or sudden drops in blood pressure. In these situations, CPR-trained cabin crew can quickly assess the passenger’s condition and perform necessary procedures to stabilize them until the plane lands.
- Nausea and vomiting: These symptoms can occur due to motion sickness, anxiety, or underlying medical conditions. While they are less severe incidents, proper intervention by trained personnel can keep the passenger comfortable and prevent the situation from worsening.
- Trouble breathing: Factors like cabin pressure changes or anxiety can exacerbate breathing difficulties, especially in people with chronic respiratory issues. CPR-trained crew members can provide oxygen support and assist in calming the passenger to alleviate the symptoms.
- Cardiac arrest: Around 1,000 airplane passengers experience SCA during a flight every year. In such dire situations, CPR-trained crew members can perform chest compressions and use the in-flight AED to support the victim until the plane can make an emergency landing or medical professionals can take over.
Reason 1: Immediate Response During Medical Emergencies
In-flight medical emergencies can happen unexpectedly and without warning. Cardiac events, in particular, are highly time-sensitive. If a victim doesn’t receive CPR within the first five minutes of collapsing, their chance of survival decreases by 27%. Commercial flights often take hours, and medical diversions can be costly and time-consuming, so the ability to respond instantly can mean the difference between life and death.
Limited Space and Medical Resources Onboard
While in-flight medical kits are equipped with essentials, they are not substitutes for the advanced equipment found in hospitals. The absence of professional medical staff onboard adds another layer of complexity, and the confined environment of an airplane also presents unique challenges.
Space is limited, and movement can be restricted, especially during turbulence or other in-flight conditions. So, it is important to have a trained cabin crew who can perform CPR and use an AED without wasting time wondering what they can do.
Reducing Panic In Other Passengers
Witnessing a medical emergency on a plane can be traumatizing for passengers. The longer the victim lies there without help, the faster panic will spread among other passengers. Quick and decisive action by the cabin crew can help calm everyone down and de-escalate the situation.
When passengers see that the crew knows what they are doing and are taking the necessary steps to assist the victim, it instills confidence and reduces anxiety. It also helps maintain order and allows the crew to manage the situation more effectively. By prioritizing CPR training for cabin crews, airlines can provide a safer and more controlled environment during medical emergencies, benefiting everyone on board.
Reason 2: Increasing Passenger Confidence and Trust
When passengers board a flight, they trust that the airline has taken all necessary steps to keep them safe until touchdown. Having cabin crew trained in CPR can significantly increase this trust. Knowing that the crew can handle medical emergencies, such as cardiac arrest, can provide passengers with security.
This psychological comfort is essential during long-haul flights where medical facilities are not immediately accessible. A fully CPR-prepared cabin crew reassures passengers that the airline takes their well-being seriously.
Airline Reputation and Customer Loyalty
Airlines that invest in CPR training for their cabin crew will see a positive impact on their reputation. When passengers feel safe during your flight, they will fly with your airline again, giving you repeat business.
Word of mouth also plays a significant role – passengers who feel secure are likely to recommend the airline to friends and family. This dedication to passenger safety is a significant sales advantage in an industry where customer reviews and experiences often dictate choices. An airline known for prioritizing passenger safety can easily stand out.
Industry Standards and Competitive Advantage
Comparing airlines with and without mandatory CPR training for their crew highlights a clear distinction. Airlines that prioritize this training set themselves apart in a competitive market. In an industry where every detail matters, offering CPR-trained cabin crew can be a significant differentiator. It can also set a new standard within the industry, pushing competitors to follow suit and improve passenger safety.
Reason 3: Compliance with Global Aviation Safety Standards
International bodies like IATA and ICAO set stringent safety guidelines for airlines. CPR training for cabin crews addresses these guidelines and often exceeds the minimum safety requirements, showcasing a real commitment to passenger well-being.
Moreover, proactive measures like CPR training create a safety-first mindset within the airline industry. This commitment to safety can increase an airline’s reputation, attract more safety-conscious passengers, and increase market share by setting a benchmark for excellence in aviation safety.
Duty of Care
Airlines have a legal and moral obligation to guarantee the safety of their passengers, known as a duty of care. This duty extends to being prepared for medical emergencies, including cardiac incidents. By training cabin crew in CPR, airlines fulfill this duty of care, as they are better prepared to manage in-flight medical emergencies.
This preparation reassures passengers that the airline is committed to safety and well-being. Fulfilling this duty builds trust with passengers. When travelers know that cabin crews can handle medical emergencies, they can fly with greater peace of mind.
Reducing Liability and Risk
In the unfortunate event of a medical emergency, a well-trained crew can provide immediate CPR assistance, potentially saving lives and reducing the severity of the incident. This capability can protect airlines from legal repercussions that might arise from negligence or insufficient care claims.
Without proper CPR training, airlines expose themselves to lawsuits and reputational damage if a passenger suffers due to inadequate medical response. Legal battles are expensive, and negative publicity can affect an airline’s brand image.
Priority Boarding To Greater Passenger Safety
When the entire cabin crew of an airline knows how to perform CPR, they can act swiftly during medical emergencies, potentially saving lives. This preparedness boosts passenger confidence, as they know they are in capable hands. Additionally, adherence to safety standards ensures airlines meet regulatory requirements, fostering a safer travel environment.
Airlines and flight attendants who want to learn new ways to help their passengers should start CPR training in Salt Lake City, Utah. Don’t wait for a crisis to wish your crew had the skills to help. Call us to schedule a class today, and be prepared to make a difference even 30,000 feet in the air.