Handling the Unexpected: Managing a Passenger Who Dies Mid-Flight

As a seasoned crew member, dealing with unexpected situations such as a passenger dying mid-flight is a part of the job. While the crew is trained in basic first aid, specific procedures are in place to ensure the safety and well-being of all passengers. This article explores the steps taken by airlines when a passenger dies during a flight, including the options for managing the situation, the impact on subsequent flights, and the procedures to ensure that these incidents are handled appropriately.

Basic Precautions and Immediate Response

Like many airlines, we have a standard procedure to deal with potential medical emergencies. When someone falls ill or dies on board, the crew immediately initiates a distress call using a dedicated system called Medilink. Medilink provides expert medical advice and guidance, ensuring that the best possible care is provided for the ill passenger.

We also carry comprehensive first aid kits and a defibrillator, which can be used to attempt resuscitation or stabilize the condition of the passenger until the aircraft can land. However, it is important to note that despite our training, the crew is not qualified to make a medical determination of death. Such a determination can only be made by a physician or medical professional.

Diversion and Onboard Management

When a passenger dies mid-flight, the flight crew must weigh several factors before deciding on a course of action. The primary considerations are the health and safety of the remaining passengers and the crew. Here are the potential scenarios:

Diverting to the Nearest Airport: If the passenger's death occurs due to a medical emergency and it is deemed advisable to land at the nearest suitable airport, the flight crew will take this course of action. This allows for emergency medical services to be made available to assist.Continuing to the Destination: If the death appears to be non-preventable and there is no hope of saving the passenger, the crew might choose to continue to the intended destination. This option is typically considered only if the death is sudden and unexpected, and the closest airport is not reachable.Emergency Landing: In some extreme cases, an immediate emergency landing is initiated to offload the deceased passenger and give the remaining passengers and crew the best chance for survival. This decision is made based on the specific circumstances and the discretion of the flight crew.

Regardless of the chosen course of action, the incident must be managed carefully to ensure the comfort and safety of the remaining passengers. If the crew decides to continue to the destination, the deceased passenger may be seated in a more isolated area, such as a window seat towards the rear of the aircraft, to minimize discomfort to the other passengers.

Post-Landing Procedures

Once the aircraft lands, the handling of the deceased passenger becomes the responsibility of the airline. Depending on whether the death occurred during the flight or pre-flight, the procedures may differ. In the case of a death that occurs during the flight, the passengers and crew must complete certain procedures, such as obtaining the necessary documentation from the medical examiner or the police.

In the event of a death on board, the airline’s operations manual, which is a proprietary document, provides detailed instructions for managing the situation. This manual, which is only accessible to senior crew members such as the captain, contains everything from immediate actions to follow, such as securing the scene and consulting with emergency services, to long-term responsibilities like ensuring that the proper documentation is obtained.

Managing the Cargo Section

When a deceased passenger is onboard, they are typically moved to the cargo area of the aircraft. Special containers, known as "humsacks," are used to transport the remains. Proper documentation, including embalming certificates and police clearances, must accompany the humsack to ensure legal and medical compliance.

Conclusion

The management of a deceased passenger on an aircraft is a complex process that involves a range of procedures and considerations. The safety of the remaining passengers and crew is the primary concern, and every effort is made to handle the situation with care and professionalism. Understanding the steps involved can provide valuable insight into how airlines prepare for and manage such unexpected events.