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Old 01-31-2012, 03:18 AM   #2
Papa Gino
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Quote:
Originally Posted by yahoo answers
I'm an ex-F/A and we did discuss this in training.

F/A's are not doctors and can't declare anyone dead. The point is, we have to carry on as if they had just passed out. We can place them somewhere NOT a lav (only if they died in there but even that is doubtful) but an empty row if the flight's not full. Sometimes the crew rest area is available if rest breaks are over or they don't have them on that flight. If it can't be managed, we were given the option of putting an oxygen mask on the person and simply saying they didn't feel well, even if we were sure they had gone to meet their maker.

If there is a doctor onboard, it's really up to them as to what to do. Many are hesitant to actually, officially declare deaths in flight due to the mountain of paperwork (supposedly) and other sticky issues, possibly related to their insurance. It's easier in all aspects to have all deaths declared once the plane has landed. The circumstances of the death would play a big role, such as if it were a dramatic choking that was witnessed by many passengers, contrasted with a quiet passing in their seat.

The only time it happened onboard, it was handled very discretely. I was working in another cabin and was unaware so not even all crew members were informed. It was a tragic cancer death, someone who wanted to go to her favorite city one last time and almost made it.

The ground agents helped to sheild her, easier as she was seated in business class. No passengers passed by and virtually all were unaware of the event (those near her were only knew that there had been a medical emergency on landing). They stood around her, blocking the view, until all crew members had left.

There was a death during boarding with my airline and they simply wheelchaired the gentleman off. Luckily, it wasn't a flight I was working, only what I heard later. It was stressful more because of the distraught wife.

It is possible to do an emergency landing but those are usually avoided at all costs. Emergency landings are usually reserved when someone's life in is danger and time is crucial. They also serve very little purpose since medical care is usually better at the destination. If it happens soon after take-off, the mostly likely course of action would be to return to the departure airport. If not, and the patient can be stablized, it's more likely to be in everyone's interest to continue. Not meaning to be cruel but death is a stable condition.

There's a famous story about an old lady whose husband dies inflight and she doesn't want to disturb anyone with the bad news. The crew only learn on landing.

Let me assure you that this does happen but it's very rare. I only had it once in 13 years and I worked almost exclusively long-haul internationals. A fatality is far more likely to occur in the airport, or if onboard, during boarding which is a stressful time for everyone.
Source(s):

ex-F/A, 13 years, 2 carriers
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Just found that on yahoo answers. Interesting.

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/in...0131055AAxSZTZ
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