During a medical emergency, what is a critical factor for flight attendants to keep in mind?

In a medical emergency, preventing panic among passengers is crucial. Flight attendants play a vital role in maintaining a calm and secure environment during such high-stress situations. By managing the emotional response of passengers, flight attendants can help ensure that the emergency is handled more effectively. A calm atmosphere allows for better communication and cooperation among crew members and passengers, enabling the crew to focus on providing necessary assistance to the individual in distress.

While finding the nearest airport, providing food and drinks, or collecting personal items may have their significance in air travel, they do not directly address the immediate needs of a medical emergency. The primary concern during such an event is to stabilize the situation and attend to the health of the affected passenger, and this is best accomplished by minimizing panic and ensuring that everyone remains calm.