Air travel can be stressful for many, but few consider the possibility of a passenger dying mid-flight. While rare, this situation does occur and requires immediate, careful action from the flight crew. The crew’s primary goal is to maintain calm and ensure the safety and comfort of other passengers.
They discreetly manage the deceased, often moving the body to a less conspicuous area. Medical professionals onboard may assist, but ultimately, the crew follows established procedures. Knowing these procedures might ease your concerns about how airlines handle such delicate circumstances.
What Happens If Someone Dies on a Plane?
The procedures that follow can be complex, influenced by the circumstances of the death, the flight’s location, and the destination. Here’s a detailed look at what typically happens if someone dies on a plane.
Immediate Response
The flight crew has specific protocols for such emergencies. They check for signs of life first. If the person is unresponsive, they call for a medical professional onboard.
The crew then clears the area around the person. They might move the body to a less crowded space. The pilot may divert the flight to the nearest airport. Communication with ground services is essential.
Passengers may feel scared or confused. The flight crew informs passengers about the situation. They request calmness and cooperation.
Some passengers may offer help if they are medically trained. Others may need reassurance and comfort. It is crucial for everyone to remain calm. The flight crew handles the situation with professionalism. Safety and respect are top priorities.
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Medical Evaluation
Planes carry medical kits for emergencies. These kits include items like first-aid supplies and medications. They help address minor and serious medical issues. Flight attendants are trained to use these kits. They can provide basic medical help during a flight. Kits often contain oxygen masks and defibrillators. These tools can save lives in critical situations.
Some flights have medical professionals on board. These professionals can be doctors or nurses. They assist in serious medical situations. Their help is crucial during in-flight emergencies.
They use onboard medical kits to provide care. Their training ensures passengers receive the best help possible. Airlines also have ground-based medical support. This support guides flight crews through emergencies.
Determination of Death
If efforts to revive the passenger are unsuccessful, a medical professional onboard may declare the passenger dead. However, if there is no qualified medical personnel, the crew might continue resuscitation efforts until they can get confirmation from ground-based medical support:
Pilots can communicate with medical professionals on the ground via radio or satellite link. These experts can guide the crew through the process and help determine whether the passenger has indeed passed away.
Depending on the situation, the captain may decide to continue the flight to its original destination or divert to the nearest airport to deal with the situation on the ground.
Handling the Deceased
Once it is confirmed that the passenger has died, the cabin crew will follow specific procedures to handle the deceased with dignity and care:
- Securing the Body: The crew will move the body to a less visible location if possible, such as an empty row or a section of the plane that is less populated. If the flight is full, the body may be secured in the passenger’s seat with a seatbelt.
- Covering the Body: The body is typically covered with a blanket to maintain respect and privacy. Some airlines may also use a special body bag if one is available onboard.
- Consideration for Other Passengers: The crew will do their best to maintain calm and avoid alarming other passengers. They may inform those seated nearby and possibly relocate them if seating allows.
Documentation and Reporting
Upon landing, the event must be properly documented and reported to the relevant authorities:
- Notifying Authorities: The airline will notify local authorities, including airport officials and medical examiners, about the death.
- Filling Out Reports: The cabin crew and pilots will be required to fill out incident reports detailing what happened, the actions taken, and the outcome.
- Dealing with Next of Kin: If the passenger was traveling alone, the airline might have to assist in locating and notifying the next of kin.
Post-Flight Procedures
Once the plane lands, a series of post-flight procedures are initiated to handle the situation:
- Arrival of Medical and Legal Authorities: Medical examiners or coroners will board the plane to officially declare the death and take custody of the body. They will also handle any necessary paperwork, such as issuing a death certificate.
- Passenger Deplaning: Depending on the circumstances, other passengers may be asked to remain on the plane until authorities have completed their work. However, this is usually done as quickly as possible to minimize inconvenience.
- Body Removal: The body is discreetly removed from the aircraft, often through a separate exit to avoid disturbing other passengers.
Legal Considerations
Jurisdiction can be tricky in mid-air. If someone dies on a plane, the country where the plane is registered usually takes charge. The airline must follow the laws of that country.
This can get complicated if the plane is flying over international waters. Different countries have different rules. The plane’s crew must know these rules. They should be ready to act quickly. This helps avoid legal problems later.
Specific documents are needed after a death on a plane. A death certificate is very important. The crew must fill out a report. This report should include details of the incident.
The passenger’s passport and other ID are also needed. These documents help in identifying the deceased. They also help in notifying family members. Airlines keep these records for legal reasons.
Conclusion
It’s easier to handle the situation with respect if you know the procedures for dealing with a death on a plane. Airlines have specific procedures to manage such events discreetly. Passengers are generally unaware, maintaining calm on board. Always trust the crew’s expertise in handling emergencies.
Flying remains one of the safest modes of travel.