Flight Attendant First Aid Procedures and Universal Precaution Kit

Proper Removal and Disposal of Contaminated Gloves

According to the Flight Attendant Manual (Section 6.1, Page 6, Revision 06, dated 01 MAY 2026), gloves are considered contaminated once they have been used and serve as a possible source of infection. To prevent the transfer of pathogens, crew members must execute a specific seven-step removal process without touching the outer surface of the gloves. The process begins by grasping the cuff of one glove and pulling it toward the fingers so that the glove is turned inside out as it is removed. This glove should then be held in the palm of the remaining gloved hand. The next step involves sliding the fingers of the ungloved hand underneath the cuff of the second glove and pulling it toward the fingers, effectively enveloping the first glove inside the second. Finally, the crew member must tie a knot in the top of the outer glove and dispose of it properly, followed by washing their hands with soap and running water as soon as possible.

In the event that gloves are torn during the administration of first aid, the manual dictates that they must be removed immediately. The cabin crew member must wash their hands if possible before donning a completely new pair of gloves. Proper disposal of all contaminated gloves requires placing them in the red bio-hazard bag found in the Universal Precaution Kit®. This procedure ensures that personal protective equipment does not become a secondary vector for disease transmission during or after a medical intervention.

The Universal Precaution Kit: Components and Chemical Properties

The Universal Precaution Kit® (UPK), detailed in section 6.1.3.3 (Page 7, Revision 06, 01 MAY 2026), is mandatory for cabin crew required to handle potentially infectious spilled body fluids. The contents of this kit include a Red-Z fluid control pouch, Sanizide Plus germicidal disinfectant, P.A.W.S (Personal Antimicrobial Wipes), a disposable impermeable mask, disposable impermeable gloves, and a disposable impermeable gown. Additionally, the kit contains a large absorbent wiper towel, a pick-up scoop with a scraper, a red bio-hazard disposal waste bag, detailed instructions, and a label. Each component is designed to manage specific risks associated with biological spills.

Specific chemical products within the kit have specialized functions. Red-Z® is a dry powder used to sprinkle onto liquids, converting them into a harmless granulated gel for easy collection with the provided scoop. It is highly effective at immediately eliminating odors from vomit, urine, or feces spills. Its active ingredient is chlorine, a disinfectant known to kill fungus, bacteria, and viruses. The manual notes that the quantity of chlorine in Red-Z® is twice the amount recommended by the Center for Disease Control. Sanizide Plus Germicidal Disinfectant is a fast-acting, broad-spectrum disinfectant and deodorizer for environmental surfaces. Its alcohol-free formulation is specifically effective against pathogens such as Avian Flu A, Tuberculosis (TB), HIV, Hepatitis A, B, and C, and MRSA. P.A.W.S are specialized skin wipes used to prevent the transmission of bacteria, viruses, and fungus from person to person.

Operational Procedure for Using the Universal Precaution Kit

The implementation of the Universal Precaution Kit® follows a strict protocol to ensure safety and cleanliness (Pages 8-9). The first step is for the cabin crew to put on appropriate protective clothing, which includes the disposable apron, a combination face and eye safety mask, and impermeable gloves. Red-Z® is then sprinkled over the contaminated area to quickly turn the liquid into a gel for safer handling. Once gelled, the material is removed using the scoop and scraper and placed carefully into the red bio-hazard bag. Any remaining solids must be cleaned away with the absorbent towel, and the affected surface area must then be disinfected using the Sanizide Plus germicidal disinfectant wipes.

Further steps include managing secondary contaminated items. Items such as soiled seat covers, blankets, or pillows must be placed in the red bio-hazard bag rather than being left in the cabin. If the floor surface is soiled, the crew must make a specific entry in the Cabin Defect Log. All contaminated materials, including the gloves worn during the cleanup, must be placed into the red bio-hazard disposal plastic bag. This bag is then disposed of in the garbage. To conclude the process, the crew member must wipe their hands with a P.A.W.S antimicrobial hand wipe and then wash their hands with soap and running water at the earliest opportunity.

Fundamental Principles and Responsibilities of First Response

Section 6.1.4 (Page 9, Revision 01, 01 JUN 2024) outlines the first response protocols designed to ensure the well-being of sick or injured individuals. Cabin crew are expected to be prepared and respond to first aid situations rapidly but safely, applying the principles of Emergency Scene Management (ESM). Crucially, crew members must obtain consent, whether verbal or implied, before touching a casualty to provide aid. They must use reasonable skills and care appropriate to their level of training and remain responsible for protecting the casualty’s personal belongings and keeping unnecessary bystanders away from the scene.

Communication is a vital part of the first response. Cabin crew are required to advise the Pilot-in-Command (PIC) of any first aid situation, providing details on the condition of the casualty and the care being provided. They must also reassure any family members or friends traveling with the casualty. Documentation is mandatory, requiring the completion of all necessary forms. Finally, the cabin crew member must remain with the casualty until qualified medical help takes over the situation. This continuous care model ensures that the passenger is supported until professional intervention arrives.

Procedures for Requesting Medical Assistance and Professional Volunteers

When a medical situation occurs, section 6.2 (Page 10, Revision 01, 01 JUN 2024) states that cabin crew must seek voluntary assistance from qualified medical professionals. These professionals include Medical Doctors (Physicians), Nurses, and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs). Crew members must always contact the MedLink Emergency Telemedicine Center. When making a public announcement for medical help, crew members should include specific location details, such as the seat row of the casualty or a meeting point. If a medical professional volunteers, the crew is obligated to inform them that an Aircraft Medical Kit (AMK) is available for use. The manual specifies that the opening of the AMK should not be delayed while waiting for the volunteer to provide identification, though unqualified persons are strictly prohibited from attending to the casualty or interfering with the first aid process.

MedLink Emergency Telemedicine Center and MedAireWiFi Integration

MedLink is a specialized hospital-based medical advisory service that provides emergency medical assistance specifically for the aviation industry (Section 6.2.1, Page 10, Revision 04, 04 JUN 2025). MedLink must be contacted for all onboard medical incidents involving passengers or crew, regardless of whether the aircraft is on the ground or in the air. For life-threatening emergencies occurring on the ground at the gate—such as cardiac arrest, loss of consciousness, seizures, or breathing difficulties—cabin crew should coordinate with Customer Service Agents to contact local emergency services immediately. MedLink functions by assessing the situation and recommending a specific plan for care to the cabin crew.

Communication with MedLink is facilitated by the MedAireWiFi application, which allows cabin crew to transmit information directly. To utilize this tool, crew members must ensure their Mobile Crew Device (MCD) is connected to the onboard network when available. When using MedAireWiFi for a medical incident, the crew member must first advise the In-Charge flight attendant, who then immediately informs the Pilot-in-Command. The crew then assesses the medical situation and administers first aid while maintaining communication with the medical advisors through the application.