If there are no signs of breathing, flight attendants must immediately:

The most appropriate immediate action to take when there are no signs of breathing is to provide basic life support. This includes initiating CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) to maintain blood circulation and oxygenation to the vital organs. When breathing is absent, the priority shifts towards performing chest compressions and rescue breaths to assist in keeping the individual alive until professional medical help can arrive.

Initiating basic life support is crucial because it buys time and can significantly increase the chances of survival. Following the guidelines laid out during training, flight attendants are encouraged to act quickly in emergencies, and performing CPR is a foundational skill that can stabilize a victim’s condition in the absence of breathing.

While checking for a pulse, calling for medical assistance, and using an AED are important steps in the overall emergency response process, they typically follow the immediate action of starting CPR in a cardiac arrest scenario where breathing is absent.