How to Cope with an In-Flight Emergency

In-flight emergency is the biggest nightmare of any traveller. Recently, an Emirates plane crash landed at Dubai International Airport. Thankfully, there were no fatalities and all 300 passengers escaped the incident. After the incident, a few passengers told the media about their miraculous escape and how they were seconds away from death. It was discovered that the quick response of cabin crew and passengers led to this conclusion. Similarly, in 2009 a US Airways jet crash landed at Hudson River in New York. Again, the quick response helped in evacuating everyone safely. In 2005, an Air France jet skidded off the runway in Toronto while landing. Thanks to the crew, all 297 passengers escaped the burning wreckage safely. Such incidents can happen anywhere, anytime and with anyone. Thus, every traveler is required to be careful about his/her journey. Travelers need to be prepared for any unexpected emergency in-flight. In this Blog, we will discuss some things you should keep in mind if God Forbid you face an emergency. The information in this blog also includes inputs from many crash survivors as well.

Remember the following when faced with an in-flight emergency:

1.   Don’t Panic: The first thing is not to Panic. Panic disables your mind to work faster, and find ways of escaping. Many incidents in the past have been averted by it. In 2010, a Qantas A380 with 470 passengers was in danger when one of its 4 engines exploded mid-air. The pilots and passengers didn’t panic, leading to safe landing of the Aircraft.

2.   Follow/Listen to Emergency Procedures: When you board the Airplane, a safety demonstration is shown to all passengers. Watch it carefully. If you have any doubts, ask the cabin crew or read the safety card in your seat pocket.

3.   Follow the Crew: Many people think that the duty of Cabin Crew is to serve meals and drinks. People don’t know how vigorously they are trained to save our lives. Respect their job and follow them carefully when required.

4.   Exits: When boarding the Aircraft, check the nearest exits to your seat. Different types of Aircraft have different number of exits. Exits in a Boeing 777 would be different from an Airbus A380 or A330. Boeing 787 is different from A350. Hence, take note of the nearest exit as soon as seated.

5.  Avoid Luggage: When evacuating, leave your luggage. Don’t open up overhead lockers in an emergency. Personal belongings can be purchased again, but not Life.

6.   Quick Response: As soon as you sense about something wrong, react quickly. If you smell fire or see anything unusual, inform the crew quickly.

7.   Evacuate Carefully: While Evacuating, follow the path suggested by the crew. Don’t open exits which are near the place of Fire or impact. Sometimes people open the exit near the fire, making smoke enter the aircraft and suffocate passengers. Also, don’t push other passengers or jump over them. It increases the probability of getting injured. In case of water landing, wear your life jackets carefully and assist small children. If possible, try and help other passengers as well.

8.  Escape Slide: Once the Escape slides are deployed, quickly slide down and run away to the emergency response team. Sometimes planes explode after you get out. So, don’t stand near the wrecked jet.

9.    Disabled Passengers: If you are a person who is physically challenged, book your seats near the exits. This will allow you to escape first. Besides, either travel with a friend/relative or tell the cabin crew about your problems. This will help in assistance during emergency.

10.  Be Healthy and Fit: A person who is healthy and fit is less prone to injuries. Good health helps you in quick response and escaping danger. According to a study, obese and unhealthy people are more prone to injuries while escaping an emergency. Also, exercise daily for half an hour. This will help in running for your life in a crisis.

These were some tips for you when you are in an In-flight emergency. We hope and pray that nobody ever face such situations. But if God Forbid you do, remember the above

Have a Safe Journey!

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