In the event of an oxygen system failure, what should be included in the plan for potential emergency landing?

• A. Immediately switch off backup oxygen
• B. Continue as planned without notifying anyone
• C. Recognize failure; switch to backup oxygen; ensure continued delivery to patient; communicate with crew; plan for potential emergency landing
• D. Land at the nearest airport and cancel the mission

Answer: (C)

When oxygen delivery in flight is compromised, the priority is to preserve the patient's oxygenation while coordinating safety measures. Recognize the failure immediately so you don’t miss a drop in oxygen supply. Then switch to the backup oxygen source so there is no interruption in flow to the patient; verify that the delivery to the patient remains continuous at the required rate and that connections, regulators, and tubing are functioning properly. Communicate with the crew to synchronize actions, confirm the status of all oxygen lines, and prepare for contingencies. Finally, plan for a potential emergency landing by identifying the closest suitable diversion point, coordinating with air traffic control and ground support, and briefing the team on the patient’s status and oxygen availability so the landing can proceed safely with ongoing care.

Avoid turning off the backup oxygen, which would cut off oxygen delivery; continuing without notifying anyone delays critical coordination and patient care; and simply landing and canceling the mission doesn’t address maintaining oxygen delivery and patient safety during the flight.