If symptoms persist after lowering cabin altitude, what should be done?

• A. Seek medical attention
• B. Return to altitude and resume activities
• C. Ignore symptoms
• D. Engage in vigorous activity

Answer: (A)

When symptoms persist after lowering cabin altitude, the next step is to seek medical attention promptly. Reducing cabin altitude should relieve hypoxia-related symptoms, but if they continue, it signals that a more serious issue may be present—such as decompression sickness, an arterial gas embolism, pneumothorax, or another medical condition that needs professional evaluation and treatment on the ground.

In the cockpit and cabin, keep the patient on high-flow oxygen if available, monitor their condition, and arrange for the aircraft to land at the nearest suitable airport so medical staff can assess and treat them. This approach protects the patient from potential deterioration.

Returning to altitude, ignoring symptoms, or engaging in vigorous activity could worsen the underlying condition and delay proper care, so those options are not appropriate.