What is decompression
Decompression is the loss of cabin pressure
What are the two main types of aircraft decompression?
- Slow decompression
- Rapid decompression
What is slow decompression?
Slow decompression is a gradual loss of cabin pressure over time, which may not be immediately noticeable to passengers or crew.
What is rapid decompression?
Rapid decompression is a sudden and significant loss of cabin pressure, usually caused by structural failure such as a door seal failure, cracked window, or fuselage damage.
What is hypoxia?
Hypoxia is a condition where the body does not receive enough oxygen
Why is hypoxia dangerous for cabin crew?
Hypoxia can impair thinking, decision-making, and physical coordination, preventing crew from performing safety duties effectively.
What are common symptoms of hypoxia?
Symptoms may include:
* Headache
* Dizziness
* Fatigue
* Confusion
* Poor judgment
* Cyanosis (bluish lips or nails)
* Loss of consciousness
What is the Time of Useful Consciousness (TUC)?
TUC is the time during which a person can perform useful actions without oxygen before losing consciousness.
What should cabin crew do if they suspect slow decompression?
Crew should check with other crew members and passengers to see if they feel the same symptoms, then notify the pilots immediately.
What is the first action cabin crew must take during rapid decompression?
Crew must immediately put on the nearest oxygen mask and secure themselves.
Why must cabin crew put on oxygen masks immediately during rapid decompression?
Because oxygen levels drop quickly and hypoxia can occur within seconds, impairing the ability to act.
What happens automatically in the cabin during decompression?
Passenger oxygen masks automatically deploy from the Passenger Service Unit (PSU).
What commands should cabin crew give passengers during decompression?
MASK ON!”
“FASTEN SEATBELTS!”
After putting on their oxygen mask, what should cabin crew do?
Crew should secure themselves, monitor passengers, and ensure passengers are wearing oxygen masks and seatbelts.
What is the expected action by pilots after rapid decompression?
Pilots will normally initiate an emergency descent to a safe altitude where supplemental oxygen is not required.
