What should be done if a passenger shows signs of severe illness during flight?

• A. Ignore symptoms
• B. Continue flight and document later
• C. Evaluate severity, provide first aid, administer oxygen if indicated, and coordinate with flight crew to plan diversion
• D. Call medical professionals after landing

Answer: (C)

When a passenger shows signs of severe illness onboard, the first move is to quickly assess how serious the situation is and respond with the resources available. The best approach is to evaluate the patient’s condition, provide appropriate first aid, and give oxygen if there are signs of breathing difficulty or low oxygen levels. If the illness could worsen or requires medical care beyond basic first aid, coordinate with the flight crew to plan a diversion to the nearest suitable airport so the passenger can receive definitive care. This sequence prioritizes the passenger’s safety and helps prevent deterioration while balancing the needs and safety of everyone on the aircraft.

Ignoring symptoms or continuing the flight without assessment delays potentially life-saving care and puts both the patient and others at risk. Waiting to contact medical professionals until after landing also delays critical intervention and may not be feasible if the patient’s condition worsens.