The Need For Oxygen Masks on Planes

Air travel has become a lot more common now than ever before. Many people take flights in planes and travel to destinations across the globe. Air transport has been said to be the safest mode of transport when compared to other modes of transport. Airlines across the world always endeavour to adhere to strict safety measures to ensure the safety of the passengers, crew and the aircraft.

One of the most important features of airline safety is the oxygen masks. These have become a standard and mandatory safety feature and are found on all commercial planes. The oxygen masks are essential for the safety of a passenger during flights. As many passengers may not have used one before, flight attendants usually demonstrate how an oxygen mask is used and how to fasten and securely use one during a flight emergency.

This is very important, as there will not be time to teach passengers the correct ways of using an oxygen mask during a flight emergency. This is why the demonstration is mandatory and is repeated in several languages.

During a regular flight, the cabin is usually pressurized. This ensures that passengers can breathe normally. In the event that a window breaks or there is a crack or tear on the body of the plane, then the pressure in the plane decreases rapidly to very low levels. Passengers will be unable to breathe normally. During such occasions, the pilot will press a conveniently located button that will automatically release oxygen facemasks from overhead compartments. Passengers will be expected to secure the masks on their own so as to breathe normally and avert a crisis. When the oxygen is worn, it automatically releases oxygen at the correct pressure, enabling passengers survive a crisis that would otherwise be catastrophic. This indicates that the oxygen mask is a very important safety equipment feature used in aircraft.

Some planes fly at altitudes of below 12000 feet. In such planes, pressure is very low and the masks produce continuous oxygen. They are very common in almost all planes across the world.

Some masks are used for high altitude flights such as in fighter jets. These masks must be worn at all times. They provide oxygen at required pressure on a continuous basis.

It is important that passengers learn the benefits and use of in flight masks as this knowledge may come in handy and may save lives. There are manuals as well as info booklets that provide sufficient information to passengers regarding the correct usage of these important flight safety gadgets.

Mithul Mistry is writing on behalf of Health Oxygen, a specialist in Oxygen Masks.


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