What does the airline do when you survive a plane crash?
Air travel is considered one of the safest modes of transportation, with a very low risk of accidents. However, despite all the safety measures in place, plane crashes do happen. Surviving a plane crash is a terrifying experience, but what happens next?
What steps are taken by Airlines when passengers survive a plane crash?
In this blog, we’ll explore the steps that airlines take when passengers survive a plane crash. From immediate response to long-term care and support, let’s dive into this crucial topic.
Immediate Response
The moments following a plane crash are crucial for both passengers and airline personnel. Here’s what typically happens:
Evacuation: The priority is to evacuate the aircraft as quickly and safely as possible. Cabin crew members are extensively trained to handle emergencies and are responsible for guiding passengers to the nearest emergency exits.
First Aid: Passengers who require immediate medical attention receive it from the cabin crew. Airlines have onboard medical kits that contain essential medical supplies to assist in providing first aid until professional help arrives.
Contacting Authorities: The flight crew immediately contacts local authorities and emergency services to ensure a rapid response to the crash site.
Learn about 5 Bizarre Plane crash incidents as planes ran out of fuel
Passenger Support and Comfort
Once passengers have been safely evacuated, airlines provide support and comfort to those who have survived the ordeal:
Temporary Shelter: Passengers are typically moved to a designated area near the crash site, where they can receive basic shelter from the elements and medical assistance.
Reuniting Families: Airlines make every effort to reunite passengers with their loved ones as quickly as possible, especially if they were separated during the evacuation.
Emotional Support: Airlines often have trained personnel, such as counselors or psychologists, available to provide emotional support to survivors who may be experiencing shock or trauma.
Investigation and Communication
After the immediate needs of passengers have been addressed, airlines turn their attention to understanding what went wrong and communicating with survivors and their families:
Accident Investigation: Airlines cooperate with aviation authorities, such as the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) in the United States, to investigate the cause of the crash. This process can take months or even years to complete.
Providing Information: Airlines aim to keep survivors and their families informed throughout the investigation process. Regular updates are provided, and any findings or developments are communicated as they become available.
Legal and Financial Assistance
Survivors of a plane crash may face a range of legal and financial challenges, and airlines take steps to assist in these areas:
Legal Support: Airlines may provide access to legal counsel to help survivors navigate any potential legal claims or compensation processes.
Financial Assistance: Depending on the circumstances, airlines may offer financial support to survivors and their families to cover medical expenses, lost belongings, or other costs incurred as a result of the crash.
Insurance Claims: Survivors are often guided through the process of filing insurance claims related to injuries, lost luggage, or other damages.
Safety Improvements
Plane crashes lead to a thorough analysis of safety procedures and equipment. Airlines take the opportunity to enhance safety measures and prevent similar incidents in the future:
Equipment Upgrades: Airlines may invest in new aircraft, better safety equipment, or improved training for their staff to enhance passenger safety.
Regulatory Changes: Crash investigations can lead to changes in aviation regulations and industry-wide safety standards to prevent future accidents.
What do passengers feel when they survive in a plane crash?
Surviving a plane crash is an incredibly harrowing and traumatic experience, and passengers who have been through such an ordeal often describe a mix of intense emotions and physical sensations. While each person’s experience may differ, here are some common feelings and sensations that survivors may encounter:
Shock and Disbelief: Immediately after a plane crash, survivors may feel a sense of shock and disbelief. It’s difficult to comprehend that such a catastrophic event has occurred, and passengers might question whether they are truly alive.
Fear and Panic: The moments during and immediately after a crash are filled with fear and panic. Passengers may experience extreme anxiety and terror as they realize the gravity of the situation. The sudden and violent impact of a crash can intensify these feelings.
Relief: Survivors often feel an overwhelming sense of relief that they made it out of the crash alive. This relief can be accompanied by tears and expressions of gratitude for surviving against the odds.
Confusion: Survivors may be disoriented and confused, especially if they were injured or lost consciousness during the crash. They might not fully understand what has happened or where they are.
Physical Pain: Injuries are common in plane crashes, and survivors may experience various degrees of physical pain. This can range from minor bruises and cuts to more serious injuries, such as broken bones or burns.
Long-Term Emotional Impact: The emotional impact of surviving a plane crash can be long-lasting. Many survivors may require ongoing therapy or counseling to cope with the trauma and its effects on their mental health.
Conclusion
Surviving a plane crash is a traumatic experience, but passengers can take comfort in knowing that airlines have well-established procedures in place to address the immediate aftermath. From evacuation and medical assistance to emotional support and ongoing communication, airlines prioritize the well-being of survivors and their families.
While plane crashes are rare, understanding what happens after one occurs can provide reassurance to those who take to the skies.