In the unfortunate event of an airplane accident, the chances of survival are remarkably high, with a 95% survival rate for non-crash incidents.
However, being prepared and knowledgeable about the safety features and emergency procedures can significantly enhance your ability to survive and assist others.
Here, we provide a comprehensive guide to air crash escape tips, hoping you will never need to use them.
Essential Safety Equipment and Their Functions
Flashlight: Every pilot has a high-intensity flashlight stored behind their seat. These flashlights are equipped with a blinking LED indicator to confirm their operational status. In the event of a power outage or low visibility, these flashlights are crucial for navigating the aircraft.
1. Emergency Axe: Typically stored behind the co-pilot’s seat, the emergency axe is a robust tool designed to cut through metal, open holes, and force doors and windows open. This tool can be vital for creating exit points if standard exits are inaccessible.
2. Life Jackets: Each crew member and passenger is provided with a life jacket. These life jackets are equipped with a locator light, an instruction manual, and an oral inflation system. Additionally, the seat cushions can serve as flotation devices if needed.
3. Oxygen Masks: Every seat is equipped with an oxygen mask located above it. In case of a cabin pressure emergency, these masks will automatically deploy. It is crucial to put on your mask promptly, as the useful consciousness time at 35,000 feet is between 15-30 seconds, and at 40,000 feet, it reduces to 7-10 seconds.
4. Loudspeaker: If the airplane’s public address system fails, a loudspeaker can be used by the crew to disseminate critical information to passengers.
5. Escape Ropes: Some emergency exits lead to the wings of the airplane. Escape ropes attached to loops on the wings help passengers stabilize themselves while exiting the aircraft.
6. Evacuation Slides: These slides are stored in the emergency exit doors. Once inflated and deployed, they enable passengers to safely exit the airplane from significant heights without injury.
7. Enhanced Emergency Medical Kit (EEMK): The EEMK includes bandages, antibiotic ointment, pain-relieving medications, cardiac stimulants, inhalers, intravenous management kits, and self-inflating resuscitation devices, surpassing the contents of a standard home first aid kit.
8. Life Rafts: Commonly found on wide-body international airplanes, life rafts are stored in the ceiling near the exits. They often include survival kits with flares and covers to block harmful sun rays. In some cases, the evacuation slide itself can serve as a flotation device.
9. Fire Extinguisher: In the event of an electrical, oil, or fuel fire, the crew will use a Halon 1211 fire extinguisher. This chemical is effective in cold weather and is non-conductive, making it ideal for aircraft use.
10. Break-In Zone: Emergency responders can locate a marked break-in zone on the top of the fuselage, indicating where they can easily cut into the aircraft for rescue operations.
Emergency Procedures and Survival Tips
1. Remove Hard Objects: Before an emergency landing or impact, remove all hard objects from your body, including jewelry, glasses, and high heels. These items can cause injuries during abrupt movements.
2. Oxygen Masks: In case of rapid decompression, put on your oxygen mask immediately. At high altitudes, the time of useful consciousness is extremely short, so quick action is necessary to avoid hypoxia.
