In the event of a cabin decompression, which action should be prioritized?

In the event of cabin decompression, the top priority is to don oxygen masks immediately. This critical action is essential for ensuring that both crew members and passengers can receive the necessary oxygen to breathe in a sudden loss of cabin pressure. The atmosphere at cruising altitudes is insufficient for human survival without supplemental oxygen, and every moment counts in such emergencies. Promptly securing oxygen masks provides vital support, maintaining consciousness and the ability to perform further safety protocols.

Other actions, while important, may not be as urgent in the immediate moments following decompression. Securing items in the galley could be necessary for safety and preventing hazards, but it should not take precedence over addressing the immediate risk of hypoxia. Checking passenger seat belts is important for safety but is secondary to ensuring that everyone is getting oxygen. Contacting the flight deck is also vital for coordinating responses, yet the crew must first ensure that they and the passengers are equipped to handle the physiological effects of rapid decompression. Thus, the priority is to don oxygen masks immediately to safeguard health and facilitate further action.