Unconscious passenger

Unconsciousness means a person is not responding normally to voice or touch and cannot protect their own airway. It can have many causes — fainting, low blood sugar, a cardiac event, a seizure, or other medical conditions — and cabin crew are not expected to diagnose which one.

Recognizing it starts with checking responsiveness: speaking clearly to the passenger and gently tapping their shoulder. If there is no response, crew call for help immediately — alerting nearby colleagues, the purser, and asking if a medical professional is on board.

Immediate safety priorities include keeping the area around the passenger clear, being aware of their airway and breathing, and considering safe positioning according to training — while avoiding unnecessary movement if a neck or back injury is possible.

Oxygen may be used according to the airline's training and the crew's assessment. The flight deck is informed without delay, since an unconscious passenger is treated as a serious event requiring their awareness and possible ground medical consultation.

If the passenger does not regain normal responsiveness and breathing, crew escalate toward checking for signs of life and preparing to use CPR/AED support as trained — this is covered in detail in the CPR & AED lesson.

Throughout the event, one crew member is often assigned to communicate with the flight deck while others assist the passenger, and the situation is continuously monitored in case a diversion becomes necessary.