If a medical emergency necessitates diverting to an alternate airport, which action should be taken?

• A. Coordinate with the pilots for possible diversion.
• B. Notify air traffic control only.
• C. Delay the decision until landing.
• D. Announce the diversion to passengers immediately.

Answer: (A)

When a medical emergency requires diverting to an alternate airport, the priority is to act quickly and safely by coordinating with the pilots. The flight crew, especially the pilots, are trained to evaluate whether a diversion is necessary and to select the best alternate airport based on fuel, weather, airspace, and runway availability. They have the authority to alter the flight path and coordinate with air traffic control to implement the diversion smoothly.

Notifying air traffic control is part of the process, but it isn’t the sole action—the cockpit must first assess and approve the diversion plan in collaboration with ATC. Delaying the decision until landing could put the patient at risk, and announcing the diversion to passengers immediately before a plan is confirmed can create unnecessary confusion and panic. The appropriate sequence is to discuss and confirm the diversion with the pilots, then communicate the plan to ATC and passengers as needed once a safe course of action is in place.