Incapacitated crewmember

Incapacitated crewmember

Flight Crewmember

If either pilot becomes incapacitated in flight, the other flight crewmember will call the flight attendants for assistance and may check if a type-qualified company pilot is on board, or from another airline. It is advisable to request the assistance of any medically qualified passenger to assist with the medical emergency. The alert pilot will announce:

“PURSER TO THE COCKPIT, PURSER TO THE COCKPIT!” 

or give the three-chime alert.  The Purser will proceed to the flight deck to assist or may bring another FA to remove the incapacitated pilot, if possible to get the crewmember out of the flight deck.  If it is not possible to remove the flight crewmember, one F/A must remain in the flight deck to take care of and observe the incapacitated crewmember. The procedures for moving an incapacitated flight crewmember are as follows:

• After reporting to the flight deck and assessing the situation, notify other FAs so they can request medical assistance.
• Stand behind the seat and sit incapacitated pilot upright.
• Take hands and feet off control surfaces.
• Secure the pilot with seatbelt and shoulder harness locked.
• Unlock seat, slide seat fully aft, and re-lock seat.
• Recline seat for the administration of first aid.
• If necessary, give oxygen.
• If necessary, remove the flight crewmember from the flight deck for further administration of care.
• On the direction of other Flight Crewmember, an emergency announcement will be made.
• F/As will secure cabin and galley for landing.
• A Flight Attendant may be asked to occupy the second Flight Crew seat if no passenger is flight qualified. This would be to assist the pilot with checklist lists and possibly radio communications.

NOTE: In the event of a situation that warrants an evacuation and all Flight Crewmembers are incapacitated or otherwise prevented from participating, Flight Attendants will be required to initiate and conduct the emergency evacuation.

Flight Attendant

If a Flight Attendant becomes incapacitated it is advisable to request the assistance of any medically qualified passenger over the PA. Notify the PIC immediately.

If medical help is available:

• Purser or other FA should standby to assist.

If medical help is not available:

• Relocate incapacitated FA, with passenger assistance if necessary, to the closest galley.
• Designate a passenger as an Able-Bodied Person (ABP) to grab pillows and blankets.
• Administer oxygen if necessary.
• If necessary, prepare for a medical emergency landing.
• Designate the ABP to replace the incapacitated FA in the event of an emergency landing.