What must passengers do when explosive decompression occurs?

When explosive decompression occurs, passengers must immediately take action to ensure their safety. Retrieving oxygen masks and connecting them manually is essential in this situation because the rapid loss of cabin pressure leads to a lack of breathable air. In many aircraft, oxygen masks deploy automatically, but in the case of a malfunction or specific protocols that require manual retrieval, it becomes even more critical for passengers to take this step themselves.

The quick access to oxygen is vital to prevent hypoxia, a condition that can occur when the body does not get enough oxygen, leading to confusion, unconsciousness, or even worse outcomes. Passengers trained in emergency procedures should know the importance of acting swiftly and using the oxygen masks promptly in case of rapid cabin depressurization.

Other responses may not adequately address the immediacy of the situation or may place passengers at risk of not receiving adequate oxygen in time. For instance, waiting for the crew would delay the process, remaining seated without taking action could expose passengers to hypoxia, and using emergency exits immediately could be dangerous depending on the circumstances inside the cabin. Thus, taking responsibility for retrieving and connecting oxygen masks is the most critical action required during an explosive decompression event.