Smartwings Cabin Crew First Aid PDF

Study Guide: Smartwings Cabin Crew Operations Manual - Chapter 6: First Aid Roles and Responsibilities What are the primary roles of cabin crew in medical emergencies? o Ensure personal and colleague safety: § Assess the environment for potential hazards before approachi...

Study Guide: Smartwings Cabin Crew Operations Manual - Chapter 6: First Aid Roles and Responsibilities What are the primary roles of cabin crew in medical emergencies? o Ensure personal and colleague safety: § Assess the environment for potential hazards before approaching. § Prioritize self-protection with gloves and masks if available. o Provide basic casualty assessment and care: § Use the S-A-M-P-L-E method to assess the casualty. § Administer first aid according to the situation. o Act within their limitations and document incidents: § Avoid procedures beyond training. § Complete and file the Medical Report after the event. What steps should be taken when professional medical help is available? o Verify the credentials of the volunteer medical professional: § Ask for identification or proof of qualifications. o Collaborate with them but maintain overall crew responsibility: § Provide necessary tools and equipment, such as the medical kit. § Ensure clear communication between the volunteer and the commander. o Complete a Medical Report, signed by the doctor if present: § Record details of treatment and outcomes. Medical Decision Making What are the key decisions cabin crew must make in a medical emergency? 1. Situation resolved: § Monitor the passenger to ensure no further issues arise. 2. Situation manageable until landing: § Arrange medical assistance upon arrival. 3. Urgent professional help required: § Contact ground medical support for advice. 4. Necessity of a medical diversion: § Provide detailed information to the commander for decision- making. What conditions often warrant a diversion? o Unconsciousness: § If the passenger does not regain consciousness despite initial first aid. o Severe breathing diViculties: § Administer oxygen and monitor continuously. o Severe pain: § OVer reassurance and monitor vital signs. o Uncontrolled bleeding: § Apply pressure to the wound and elevate if possible. o Major injuries or shock: § Ensure the casualty is lying down and warm.  o Disturbed behavior threatening safety: § Isolate the passenger if necessary and ensure crew safety. o Impending birth: § Prepare for an emergency delivery if unavoidable. o Any uncontrolled condition causing concern: § Maintain open communication with the commander and seek advice. Casualty Assessment (S-A-M-P-L-E) What does the acronym S-A-M-P-L-E stand for? 1. Signs and Symptoms: What is observed or reported: § Look for visible signs of distress or injury. 2. Allergies: Known allergies: § Ask the passenger or check for medical alert bracelets. 3. Medications: Current medication being taken: § Gather and secure any medications for emergency use. 4. Past Medical History: Pre-existing conditions: § Note any relevant health issues for medical professionals. 5. Last Food or Fluid Intake: Time and details of last intake: § Determine if this could relate to the condition (e.g., hypoglycemia). 6. Extras: Relevant additional information (e.g., medic alert cards): § Note any recent travel history or events leading to the illness. Basic Life Support (BLS) What are the steps for Basic Life Support? 1. D - Danger: Ensure the scene is safe: § Remove hazards before approaching the casualty. 2. R - Response: Check the casualty’s responsiveness: § Tap the casualty and shout to elicit a response. 3. A - Airway: Open the airway using head-tilt and chin-lift: § Remove obstructions if visible. 4. B - Breathing: Check for normal breathing: § Look, listen, and feel for breath for up to 10 seconds. 5. C - Circulation: Perform CPR if needed: § Deliver 30 compressions and 2 breaths at a rate of 100-120 per minute. 6. D - Defibrillation: Use AED if available: § Follow the voice prompts and ensure no one touches the casualty during shock delivery. What is important about using an AED? o Attach electrodes and let the AED analyze the ECG rhythm: § Ensure proper placement on the chest. o Follow voice prompts for defibrillation or CPR: § Do not delay CPR unless instructed by the AED. o Ensure the device adjusts energy levels appropriately (adult/pediatric):  § Confirm electrode type and adjust settings if necessary. Specific Medical Conditions Hyperventilation o Signs: Fast breathing, tingling, dizziness, cramps, panic behavior. o Steps for Cabin Crew: 1. Calm the person and remove them from the stressor if possible. 2. Encourage slow, deep breaths using verbal cues. 3. As a last resort, use a paper bag for rebreathing to restore CO2 levels. 4. Monitor to ensure the condition does not escalate to hypoxia. Heatstroke o Signs: Headache, hot dry skin, confusion, body temperature > 40°C. o Steps for Cabin Crew: 1. Move the passenger to a cooler area. 2. Remove excess clothing and apply cold compresses. 3. Fan the casualty and oVer sips of water if conscious. 4. Monitor vital signs and prepare for CPR if unconscious. Sunburn o Signs: Red or blistered skin, potential heatstroke symptoms. o Steps for Cabin Crew: 1. Apply cool compresses to the aVected area. 2. Advise the passenger to avoid further sun exposure. 3. OVer hydration to prevent dehydration. 4. Seek medical advice if blisters or severe symptoms develop. Key Guidelines for Common Emergencies Diabetic Emergencies o Always give sugar if unsure about hypoglycemia: 1. OVer glucose tablets or sugary drinks. 2. Monitor for improvement and seek further medical advice. Seizures o Allow the seizure to run its course and move objects away to prevent injury: 1. Protect the head and ensure a clear area. 2. Do not restrain the person or place objects in their mouth. 3. Turn them on their side once the seizure ends. Spinal Injuries o Immobilize and avoid moving the casualty unless in immediate danger: 1. Support the head and neck to maintain alignment. 2. Monitor for breathing and vital signs. Choking o Use back blows and abdominal thrusts as needed. Stop once the obstruction is cleared: 1. Stand behind the passenger and deliver up to 5 back blows. 2. Follow with up to 5 abdominal thrusts if necessary.  Stroke o Use the BE FAST acronym (Balance, Eyes, Face, Arms, Speech, Time): 1. Balance: Check for sudden loss of balance. 2. Eyes: Ask about sudden vision changes. 3. Face: Check for one-sided drooping. 4. Arms: Ask them to raise both arms; look for weakness. 5. Speech: Listen for slurred or incoherent speech. 6. Time: Note the time symptoms started and call for medical help. Infectious Communicable Diseases What should cabin crew do when managing potentially infectious passengers? o Use personal protective equipment: § Wear gloves and masks if available. o Follow isolation procedures: § Seat the passenger away from others if possible. o Dispose of waste properly: § Seal waste in biohazard bags and follow airline protocols. Important Notes Most in-flight medical events are minor and manageable. Volunteers are limited by their professional competence. Always prioritize safety for yourself and others before intervening. Use oxygen as a universal aid in altitude-related emergencies. Always document incidents thoroughly. What are the most common medical events encountered on board an aircraft? Most in-flight medical events involve minor ailments such as fainting, nausea, vomiting, respiratory issues, and anxiety. These conditions can usually be managed e=ectively by the cabin crew using basic first aid techniques. What are the responsibilities of cabin crew during a medical emergency? The cabin crew's primary responsibility is to ensure the safety and well-being of all passengers and crew members. In a medical emergency, this includes: 1. Assessing the situation and providing immediate first aid. 2. Seeking professional medical assistance if available on board or contacting ground- based medical support. 3. Keeping the Captain informed about the situation and following their instructions. 4. Maintaining order and calm among passengers. 5. Documenting the incident thoroughly. How do cabin crew assess a passenger experiencing a medical issue? The cabin crew is trained to perform a basic assessment using the acronym SAMPLE: S - Signs and Symptoms: Observable indicators like breathing di=iculty, sweating, or chest pain. A - Allergies: Determining any known allergies of the passenger. M - Medication: Identifying any medication the passenger is currently taking.  P - Past Medical History: Gathering information about pre-existing conditions or past medical events. L - Last Food or Fluid Intake: Noting the time and type of the last meal or drink consumed. E - Extras: Any additional relevant information, such as recent travel or activities. When should cabin crew contact ground-based medical support? Ground-based medical support should be contacted as soon as possible when: The passenger's condition is serious or deteriorating. Professional medical expertise is required to manage the situation. The Captain decides that medical diversion is necessary. What is hypoxia and how might it occur during a flight? Hypoxia is a condition caused by a lack of su=icient oxygen supply to the body's tissues. It can occur during a flight due to: Depressurization of the cabin, leading to a decrease in oxygen levels. Pre-existing medical conditions that a=ect breathing or oxygen absorption. Blockage of the airway due to choking or other respiratory obstructions. What is the procedure for dealing with an unconscious passenger? When encountering an unconscious passenger, the cabin crew will follow the DRABC protocol: D - Danger: Ensure the area is safe for both the crew and the passenger. R - Response: Check for responsiveness by gently shaking and speaking to the passenger. A - Airway: Open the airway using the head tilt-chin lift maneuver. B - Breathing: Check for breathing by looking for chest movement, listening for breath sounds, and feeling for air on your cheek. C - Circulation: Check for a pulse if the passenger is breathing. If there is no pulse or the passenger is not breathing, start CPR immediately. What are the signs and symptoms of a heart attack? A heart attack can present with various signs and symptoms, including: Severe chest pain, often described as crushing or squeezing, that may radiate to the arms, neck, jaw, or back. Shortness of breath. Sweating. Nausea and vomiting. Anxiety or a feeling of impending doom. Weakness or lightheadedness. What first aid measures should be taken for a passenger experiencing a heart attack? If a passenger is suspected of having a heart attack: 1. Immediately inform the Captain and request medical assistance. 2. Administer oxygen. 3. Help the passenger into a comfortable position, usually semi-sitting. 4. If the passenger has their own medication for angina, such as tablets or a spray, assist them in taking it. 5. Keep the passenger calm and reassure them.  6. Be prepared to perform CPR if necessary. Additional Study Notes: Smartwings Cabin Crew Operations Manual - First Aid Less Common Medical Emergencies Hypothermia o Definition: A condition where the body loses heat faster than it can produce, leading to dangerously low body temperature. o Signs: Shivering, cold skin, confusion, slurred speech, and drowsiness. o How to Notice: Passenger appears visibly cold, may be shivering uncontrollably, or seems disoriented. o Steps for Cabin Crew: 1. Move the passenger to a warmer area if possible. 2. Remove any wet clothing and cover the person with blankets or warm clothing. 3. Provide warm (not hot) drinks if the passenger is conscious. 4. Avoid applying direct heat (e.g., heating pads) to prevent shock. 5. Monitor vital signs and prepare for CPR if necessary. Allergic Reactions (Anaphylaxis) o Definition: A severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction triggered by allergens such as food, medication, or insect stings. o Signs: Swelling (especially face or throat), di=iculty breathing, rash, rapid pulse, and sometimes a drop in blood pressure. o How to Notice: Passenger may report an allergy or exhibit swelling, labored breathing, or panic due to di=iculty breathing. o Steps for Cabin Crew: 1. Administer the passenger’s epinephrine auto-injector if available. 2. Provide oxygen to ease breathing. 3. Keep the passenger calm and in a comfortable position. 4. Monitor for worsening symptoms and prepare for CPR if necessary. 5. Inform the commander and seek immediate medical support. Poisoning o Definition: Harmful e=ects from ingestion, inhalation, or absorption of toxic substances. o Signs: Nausea, vomiting, confusion, di=iculty breathing, and sometimes burns around the mouth. o How to Notice: Passenger may report accidental ingestion or exhibit symptoms like confusion, disorientation, or vomiting. o Steps for Cabin Crew: 1. Identify the suspected poison (e.g., medication, food, or chemicals). 2. Avoid inducing vomiting unless instructed by medical professionals. 3. Provide oxygen if breathing is impaired.  4. Keep the passenger calm and monitor vital signs. 5. Report the situation to the commander and ground medical support. Special Situations Childbirth on Board o Definition: Emergency delivery of a baby during flight. o Signs: Passenger reports contractions, water breaking, or crowning. o How to Notice: Signs of labor, passenger in visible distress due to contractions. o Steps for Cabin Crew: 1. Provide privacy and reassure the passenger. 2. Assemble the emergency childbirth kit. 3. Guide the passenger to lie down with knees bent and legs apart. 4. Support the baby’s head as it emerges, but do not pull the baby. 5. Clear the airway and ensure the baby is breathing. 6. Keep the baby warm and dry and await medical assistance. Dental Emergencies o Definition: Injuries or conditions a=ecting teeth or gums. o Signs: Tooth pain, bleeding gums, or broken teeth. o How to Notice: Passenger may report pain or show visible injury to the mouth. o Steps for Cabin Crew: 1. Rinse the mouth with warm water to clean the area. 2. For toothaches, apply a cold compress externally to reduce swelling. 3. For broken teeth, collect fragments and store in clean water or milk if possible. 4. Reassure the passenger and recommend seeking dental care upon landing. Advanced AED Usage When should the AED’s ECG display be used? o Definition: The AED’s ECG function helps assess heart rhythm to guide treatment decisions. o How to Notice: When there’s uncertainty about the casualty’s pulse or after delivering shocks. o Steps: 1. Attach electrodes and let the AED analyze the heart rhythm. 2. Follow prompts to determine if further shocks are needed. 3. Monitor ECG activity for changes in rhythm after shocks. Steps for configuring AED energy levels: 1. Verify the mode (adult or pediatric) based on electrode type. 2. Ensure the AED is set to deliver sequentially higher energy levels for repeated shocks. 3. Follow the AED’s prompts for adjusting settings if needed. Emergencies Related to Cabin Pressure Decompression Sickness  oDefinition: A condition caused by nitrogen bubbles forming in the body due to rapid decrease in cabin pressure. o Signs: Joint pain, dizziness, shortness of breath, skin rash, and sometimes fatigue. o How to Notice: Passenger may complain of aching joints or appear disoriented after decompression. o Steps for Cabin Crew: 1. Administer oxygen immediately. 2. Keep the passenger in a seated or lying position. 3. Avoid movement to reduce symptoms. 4. Inform the commander and arrange for medical assistance upon landing. Ear Barotrauma o Definition: Pressure-related injury to the ear, often caused by changes in cabin pressure during ascent or descent. o Signs: Ear pain, di=iculty hearing, dizziness, and sometimes a sensation of fullness. o How to Notice: Passenger may report discomfort or di=iculty equalizing pressure. o Steps for Cabin Crew: 1. Encourage swallowing or yawning to equalize pressure. 2. O=er chewing gum or instruct the passenger to perform the Valsalva maneuver. 3. Reassure the passenger and provide a warm compress for pain relief. 4. Suggest medical follow-up if symptoms persist. Post-Emergency Procedures Incident Reporting o Definition: Documentation of medical incidents during a flight. o Steps: 1. Include passenger details, symptoms, actions taken, and outcomes. 2. Record any medical advice received from professionals or ground support. 3. File the Medical Report promptly. Emotional Support for Crew o Definition: Recognizing and addressing the emotional toll of managing medical emergencies. o Steps: 1. Debrief with colleagues and supervisors post-incident. 2. Access professional counseling or peer support services if needed. Additional Topics for First Aid Mental Health Emergencies Definition: Emotional or psychological distress that may disrupt behavior or functioning.  Signs: Anxiety, panic attacks, confusion, aggression, withdrawal, or unresponsiveness. Steps for Cabin Crew: 1. Approach calmly and maintain a non-threatening demeanor. 2. Engage the passenger by asking simple, direct questions to understand their state. 3. Reassure and provide a quiet space if possible. 4. Notify the commander and consider contacting ground medical support. 5. Monitor for escalation or risk to others and follow safety protocols. Burns and Scalds Definition: Damage to skin and tissue caused by heat, electricity, or chemicals. Signs: Redness, blistering, pain, swelling, or charred skin. Steps for Cabin Crew: 1. Cool the burn under running water for at least 10 minutes (avoid ice). 2. Cover with a sterile, non-adhesive dressing. 3. Do not apply ointments, creams, or break blisters. 4. If severe, monitor for shock and prepare for diversion if necessary. Eye Injuries Definition: Physical damage or irritation to the eye caused by debris, chemicals, or trauma. Signs: Redness, tearing, swelling, pain, or di=iculty opening the eye. Steps for Cabin Crew: 1. Rinse the eye with clean, lukewarm water to remove debris or irritants. 2. Avoid rubbing the eye or removing embedded objects. 3. Cover the eye with a sterile dressing and keep the passenger still. 4. Seek immediate medical advice upon landing. Altitude-Related Conditions Definition: Health e=ects caused by changes in cabin pressure and oxygen levels. o Hypoxia: Oxygen deficiency in body tissues.\n - Signs: Cyanosis, confusion, rapid breathing, and fatigue.\n - Steps: Administer oxygen immediately and monitor the passenger closely.\n - Decompression Sickness: Nitrogen bubbles forming due to pressure changes.\n - Signs: Joint pain, dizziness, and skin rash.\n - Steps: Administer oxygen and keep the passenger still. Post-Emergency Passenger Support Definition: Assistance provided to passengers after a medical incident.\n- Steps for Cabin Crew:\n 1. Reassure the passenger and address any remaining concerns.\n 2. Coordinate with ground support to ensure medical care upon landing.\n 3. Provide updates to the passenger's family or companions if applicable.\n 4. Document all actions in the Medical Report.