During decompression, after donning oxygen and ensuring personal safety, what is the next standard procedure for the crew?

• A. Begin cabin-wide checks and descent planning if needed
• B. Initiate an immediate emergency landing
• C. Evacuate all passengers through the nearest exit
• D. Return to cruising altitude and ignore the situation

Answer: (B)

Rapid descent to a breathable altitude is the priority after donning oxygen. Once you’ve secured oxygen and ensured personal safety, the crew’s next standard action is to initiate an immediate emergency descent and prepare for an emergency landing. Descending promptly lowers cabin altitude, reducing the risk of hypoxia for everyone on board and allowing medical needs to be managed more effectively. While descending, the crew should coordinate with ATC, declare an emergency if required, and brief passengers to brace for landing as necessary. Evacuation typically happens after the aircraft has landed and is configured for safe evacuation, not during the descent.