What steps should be taken by a flight attendant in case of a medical emergency?

In the case of a medical emergency, the flight attendant's first responsibility is to communicate effectively with the captain and utilize onboard medical equipment. This step is crucial because the captain must be informed about the situation to make necessary decisions regarding the flight's operations, including potential diversion to a nearby airport if the emergency requires advanced medical care.

Using the onboard medical kits is an essential part of this process as they contain necessary supplies and medications that can be administered to stabilize the passenger’s condition until help is available. Flight attendants are trained to handle various medical situations, ensuring that they can safely provide immediate care within their scope of practice.

While contacting a hospital might seem like a reasonable action, it is not the flight attendant's responsibility to reach out directly to hospitals, as the captain would manage air traffic and communicate with ground support if necessary. Administering medication to a passenger without proper medical guidance may pose risks, and calling for ground support immediately doesn’t prioritize the immediate needs of the situation without first assessing and using the resources available onboard. Therefore, coordinating with the captain and employing the onboard medical kits is the correct and safest approach in managing in-flight medical emergencies.