I was reminded today about the real role of a steward/stewardess on an air flight.
This morning, on my 6:30 am flight from Canberra to Brisbane, a passenger had a heart attack. Almost immediately after take off, the gentlemen approached the stewardesses and told them he wasn't feeling well. They sat him in the first seat so he could catch his breathe and then escorted him to the toilet when he looked ill.
The passenger passed out in the toilet and the stewardesses discreetly and calmly enlisted the help of two passengers to pull him out of the restroom and lay him on the floor. For the next 30+ minutes, until we could land, the stewardesses took turns performing CPR to help try and keep him alive. The pilot very quickly diverted to Sydney where they cleared the runway for us and had an ambulance waiting.
I am in awe of how well the ladies of DJ1207 handled the situation. They were calm and never hesitated to do what they thought needed to be done. I'm not sure I could have handled myself so well.
Unfortunately, I don't believe the gentleman survived but I can't be sure. My thoughts are with him and his family.
Next time you're on a plane, please remember that the stewardess and stewards of the flight are there primarily for your safety. In any situations while in the air, they will be your champions and your rescuers. Give them the consideration and respect that comes with that role.