What action should be taken if a flight attendant discovers a foreign object in a spare life vest?

When a flight attendant discovers a foreign object in a spare life vest, the correct course of action is to secure the area and notify maintenance. This response is critical because it ensures passenger safety by preventing any potential hazards associated with the life vest. By securing the area, the flight attendant minimizes the risk of others inadvertently interacting with the life vest or the foreign object, which could lead to complications during an emergency situation.

Notifying maintenance is vital as they possess the expertise and tools necessary to handle the issue properly. They will assess the life vest and the foreign object more thoroughly, ensuring that the equipment is safe, functional, and compliant with safety regulations before it can be put back into service.

While replacing the life vest or removing the object might seem reasonable, those actions do not address the need for professional assessment. Documenting the issue is important but secondary to ensuring immediate safety and rectifying the situation appropriately. Thus, securing the area and notifying maintenance is the most responsible and safety-focused response.