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Below is an article of what to do if you are in an
aircraft emergency
In an emergency
Many people believe that if your aircraft crashes, you're dead anyway.............
Wrong!
Over 70% of airline accidents are survivable.
71% of people who die in survivable crashes, do so after the
aircraft comes to a complete stop. In many cases its because they are
unprepared for the crash.
In the event of an evacuation, the best preparation is to
be aware of your closest exits, be ready to follow flight and cabin crew
instructions, wear slide friendly clothes and shoes, and leave all your
possessions behind. If the emergency oxygen masks drop down, put your
own mask on first. This will decrease the risk of you passing out before
being able to help your children or other passengers.
Crash position
It has been proven that passengers who assume the brace position sustain
substantially less serious injuries than other passengers. A twin engine
aircraft struck terrain during a landing approach in less than
favourable
conditions.
Most of the 16 passengers were sleeping or reading and there was no
warning of the imminent accident. One passenger woke up, looked out the
window and saw the aircraft was about to hit trees. He immediately
lowered his head and braced his arms and knees against the seat back in
front of him. He suffered a fractured leg and wrist and a scalp wound.
He was the only survivor.
Know what to listen for:
Phrases such as 'brace', 'head down, stay down'; and 'grab your ankles'
are commonly used to tell passengers to assume a
protective position. This position is shown on the safety card, located
in the aircraft seat pocket in front of you.
Your seat allocation will determine the safest crash position to assume.
Some things to keep in mind:
Push back into your seat.
Tighten your safety belt.
If the seatback or bulkhead in front of you is beyond reach:
Upper body bent forward as far as possible with
the chest close to the thighs and knees.
Head down as low as possible.
Arms around or behind legs, tucked in against your body.
Lower legs angled behind the knee joints.
Feet placed flat on the floor. As brace
picture 1
If the seatback or bulkhead in front of you is
within reach:
Upper body bent forward as far as possible.
Head touching the seat back or bulkhead in front.
Hands placed one on top of the other and on top of the head. Fingers
should not be interlocked.
Forearms tucked in against each side of the face.
Lower legs angled behind the knee joints.
Feet placed flat on the floor.
As brace picture 2
Pay careful attention to the safety demo. Read the
passenger safety information card. If in doubt, ask the flight
attendant.
The common misconception that leaning forward and placing your head
against a stationary object is unsafe probably comes from motor vehicle
travel. Sitting upright in an accident is approved behaviour in a motor
vehicle, however it is unsuitable for air travel because of the lack of
shoulder harnesses and airbags in aircraft.
Things to know
It is imperative you understand how to use the emergency equipment, and
what to do if an incident occurs. If you are unsure about anything, ask
one of the flight attendants.
Decompression
Pull oxygen mask toward you to start oxygen flow.
Put your oxygen mask on as quickly as possible. Help children and others
with their masks only after yours is secure.
Evacuating the aircraft
Follow
instructions of crew members. Stay calm and proceed quickly to the
nearest exit. Leave all your possessions
behind. Help others after you've helped
yourself.
Fire and smoke
If possible use a wet cloth or paper towel
over your nose and mouth.
Move away from the cause of fire and smoke. Stay low. The air is clearer
close to the floor. You should have already counted the number of rows
to the exit. Use this count to find the exit. Use the lighting on the
floor to make your way to the nearest exit. Once outside get well away
from the aircraft.
If possible help others Never go back into a burning aircraft
Flotation devices
Know where they are and how to use them. Life
vests (under seat, if available), life rafts, and some seat cushions and
evacuation slides can be used as flotation devices. How to slide down a
flotation devices.
Remove high-heeled shoes, as they can damage slides. Jump feet first
into the centre of slide. Do not sit down to slide. Place arms across
chest, elbows in, and legs and feet together. |
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