Earlier this year, Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 suffered an explosive decompression when a fuselage plug was blown out, leaving a gaping hole in the cabin. Fortunately, Decompressions are quite rare, and flight and cabin crew are trained to deal with the situation. But what is a decompression, and what should you do as a passenger?
Explaining decompression
As an aircraft climbs, the cabin pressure is set to 8,000 feet inside the cabin, making it easy to breathe and won’t put any stress on the aircraft’s systems. The air inside the aircraft is at a higher pressure than that outside.
If there is a break in the fuselage, the air will rush outside because of the pressure difference. There are three types of decompression: slow, rapid, and explosive.
Signs of decompression
In a slow decompression, warning signs would be minimal. A slight hissing or whistling sound may be near a window or door. People might feel sleepy. The flight crew will likely know about this before any signs are apparent, and oxygen masks will drop. In a rapid decompression, there may be some structural damage to the aircraft. There will be a loud noise and a rush of air. The temperature will drop, and there might be fog in the cabin. Oxygen masks will drop down, your ears may pop, and air may be forced out of your body. Passengers may also experience signs of hypoxia (lack of oxygen). Any loose items may fly around in the cabin. In an explosive decompression, the signs are the same as those of a rapid decompression but are more severe.
What happens next?
The flight crew will immediately go on oxygen, initiate a descent to 10,000 feet where the air is breathable, and then plan for an emergency landing if needed. The cabin crew will strap into a seat and grab an oxygen mask. When the aircraft reaches 10,000 feet, and it is safe to move about (the flight crew will usually inform them), the cabin crew will go onto portable oxygen.
They will move around the cabin, ensuring passengers are strapped in and wearing oxygen masks, and attend to any injuries. The cabin crew will await instructions from the flight crew if they need to prepare for an emergency landing.
What can a passenger do?
The first thing to do is watch the safety demonstration. You may have seen it hundreds of times before, but airlines and their aircraft differ, and this knowledge could save your life. Wear your seat belt at all times; only release it if you are going to the lavatory. This not only helps protect against being sucked outside the aircraft in a decompression but also keeps you safe should there be turbulence. When oxygen masks drop down, put one immediately over your mouth and nose. You should always put your own mask on before helping others. The need for oxygen at this point is crucial as you don’t want to become hypoxic, which can lead to death. Secure any loose items or personal possessions.
In conclusion
You can do several simple things to protect yourself during a decompression. Watch the safety demonstration, wear your seat belt while seated, and know how to use the oxygen mask. Follow the crews’ instructions at all times. Luckily, it is an infrequent occurrence, and the crew is trained to deal with it and react immediately. As with every aviation incident or accident, we always learn from it; safety improves, and with this incident, it will be the same.
Source: simpleflying.com