Flight attendants are required to be trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and other forms of medical first aid. This training is a mandatory component of their qualification process and must be renewed regularly to ensure proficiency in emergency procedures. Their primary role in a medical event is to act as first responders, providing immediate care and stabilization until more advanced help can be reached.
The Regulatory Requirement for Training
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires specific medical emergency training for all flight crew members serving on commercial flights. This mandate is codified under the United States Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), specifically Title 14, Part 121, which governs major air carriers.
Airlines must utilize an FAA-approved training program for both initial qualification and recurrent safety training. This instruction ensures that every crew member is prepared to respond to a wide range of health crises that may occur at altitude, where medical resources are limited.
Essential Emergency Skills Learned
The required training curriculum provides instruction on a range of skills, including performance drills in cardiopulmonary resuscitation for adults, children, and infants. They are also trained in the use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), which are required equipment on most commercial aircraft.
Training covers basic first aid procedures, such as treating minor injuries, recognizing symptoms of shock, and addressing potential fractures or burns. Common in-flight issues covered include hypoxia, fainting, diabetic emergencies, and severe allergic reactions. Their role is to stabilize the patient, not to provide advanced medical diagnosis or treatment.
Procedures During an In-Flight Medical Crisis
When a medical event occurs, flight attendants immediately initiate a standardized response protocol. Their first actions involve assessing the passenger, determining the nature of the emergency, and establishing scene safety. They utilize the aircraft’s onboard medical supplies, which include a basic First Aid Kit and a more comprehensive Emergency Medical Kit (EMK).
A standard procedure involves making a public address announcement to determine if a qualified medical professional is onboard to volunteer assistance. The crew contacts ground-based medical support services, often referred to as MedLink, which provides remote guidance from specialized physicians. This guidance helps determine whether a diversion to the nearest airport is necessary.
The Aviation Medical Assistance Act (AMAA) provides legal protection for both the flight attendants and any medical volunteers who assist in good faith during an emergency. This “Good Samaritan” provision protects individuals from liability, provided their actions do not constitute gross negligence or willful misconduct. This legal framework supports the crew’s immediate and decisive action in a dynamic, high-pressure environment.
Maintaining Certification and Proficiency
Medical emergency training is an ongoing requirement to maintain certification. Recurrent training, which includes performance drills in CPR and AED use, must be completed at least once every 24 months. Many air carriers conduct these performance drills annually to ensure skills remain sharp and current with the latest protocols.
This instruction ensures flight attendants are familiar with any updates to emergency medical equipment or procedures. Failure to successfully complete the required recurrent emergency training, including the hands-on performance drills, can result in the flight attendant being grounded.