Six practical habits
Protect life
Apply emergency procedures and support evacuation, fire or survival actions.
Call assistance
Ensure emergency services and the operator response chain are activated.
Control hazards
Consider fuel, fire, traffic, terrain, weather and dangerous goods.
Preserve the site
Avoid unnecessary movement or alteration once life safety permits.
Identify witnesses
Support the authorised collection of names and immediate factual information.
Accept support
Use medical, psychological, representative and legal assistance appropriately.
Life safety overrides preservation
The first priorities are survival, evacuation, firefighting within capability, first aid and preventing further injury. Aircraft checklists, crew coordination and local emergency instructions govern the response.
Once people are protected, limit additional hazards and unnecessary access. Dangerous goods, fuel, batteries, terrain and moving vehicles may create risks after the aircraft has stopped.
Notify and preserve
Ensure the operator and required authorities are notified using the approved emergency response process. The State accident investigation authority controls the safety investigation and evidence arrangements.
Do not move wreckage, equipment or records unless necessary for rescue, safety or authorised reasons. Note what was moved and why. Protect electronic devices and documents from loss or unauthorised access.
Communicate with discipline
Do not speculate about cause, blame or liability. Refer media and public enquiries to the authorised channel. Keep your own account factual and independent.
An accident can produce acute stress even without physical injury. Accept medical assessment and use peer, psychological, representative or legal support according to the operator and jurisdiction.
- 01Surviveevacuation, fire, first aid and immediate hazards
- 02Notifyemergency services, operator and required authorities
- 03Preservesite, records, devices and independent recollection
- 04Supportvictims, colleagues, investigation and personal wellbeing
Operational summary only. Apply the current approved procedure and see references below.
Final flight-deck prompt
Final flight-deck promptWhat action protects life now, what hazard remains, and what evidence can be preserved once rescue needs are satisfied?
