As first responders in the sky, flight attendants must prepare to handle medical emergencies potentially hours from definitive care. With training, they can stabilize critical situations enhancing passenger outcomes (Lindholm & Kecklund, 2005). Regular first aid certification helps attendants maintain these lifesaving skills, specifically valuable for male crew given certain cultural care preferences.
Research finds many passengers feel most comfortable receiving medical assistance from men in highly vulnerable states (Adams & Styles, 2019). During a cardiac event on John's flight last February, one man explicitly requested his help, stating "I feel less exposed disrobing in front of a male attendant" (J. Smith, personal communication, May 15, 2022). Proper first aid training prepares male attendants to confidently respond to all passengers respecting their needs in such private moments.
Studies also show stress induces hormonal changes inhibiting ability to follow directions under duress (Schoofs et al., 2008). Scenarios practicing first aid techniques in simulated emergencies boost skills and composure through experience responding calmly (Walton et al., 2011). According to Tom, "Roleplaying medical situations during recurrent allowed me to focus on the steps needed rather than freezing up if ever faced with a real emergency" (T. Johnson, personal communication, May 31, 2022).
Familiarity with various cultural practices helps attendants appropriately accommodate all passengers as well. For example, James recalled Muslims requesting to position an unresponsive male modestly on their side as per religious custom (J. Wilson, personal communication, June 10, 2022). Sensitivity training supports competently serving diverse populations during health crises abroad.
Though undesirable, medical emergencies may arise at 40,000 feet requiring swift, confident intervention. Ongoing first aid certification and scenario practice through recurrent training readies male flight attendants to capably assume the role of expert medical caretakers whenever called upon saving lives above the clouds.
References
Adams, A., & Styles, C. (2019). Culture influences on care seeking and health outcomes. Nursing Standard, 34(5), 60-67. https://doi.org/10.7748/ns.2019.e11091
Lindholm, L., & Kecklund, G. (2005). The role of stress in risk of cardiovascular disease and the metabolite syndrome. Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health, 31(1), 28-39. https://www.jstor.org/stable/40966756
Schoofs, D., Preuß, D., & Wolf, O. T. (2008). Psychosocial stress induces working memory impairments in an n-back paradigm. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 33(5), 643-653. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psyneuen.2008.02.004
Walton, M., Cowan, S., & Shultz, J. M. (2011). The use of high‐fidelity human patient simulation manikins in concept mapping over the course of a semester. Journal of Nursing Education, 50(12), 710-717. https://doi.org/10.3928/01484834-20110817-05
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