Anyone who has flown on a domestic airline has heard the announcement. Flight attendants stand up right at takeoff and describe what to do in case of emergency, including how to use the emergency air mask. It's so commonplace that many people ignore the instructions and go on reading their books. But in rare instances, this information could save your life.

The Procedure

In case of emergency, a mask will drop from a container in the airplane ceiling. The mask, which looks like a yellow plastic cup, fits over your nose and mouth. An elastic strap goes around the back of your head, and the ends can be tugged to tighten the fit. Pull on the hose gently to begin the flow of oxygen.

Me First?

You are instructed to put on your mask before helping anyone sitting with you. This may fly in the face of instinct for parents of small children and other caregivers. The reality is that in a panic, some people may fight getting a mask tied to their face. If you are running low on oxygen, you have little chance of helping them. Supply yourself with good air and you'll be in better condition to deal with those around you.

Causes of Air Emergency

According to Airbus, airplane cabins have systems to control cabin air pressure and the amount of oxygen present in the air. Loss of cabin pressure can lead to hypoxia, a life-threatening condition. This can have a number of causes -- an explosion that causes a hole in the plane, a broken window, a pressurization system malfunction or even a very small leak that causes the cabin to lose pressure over time. Any of these situations can cause the air masks to descend into the cabin.

Masks for Everyone?

The style of airplane air masks may cause you to question whether they are appropriate for every person on the plane. In fact, masks are only deployed when the cabin no longer contains enough oxygen to sustain life. The masks are designed for every person on board, including infants and small children, elderly patients with oxygen tubes, people with severe claustrophobia and the flight attendants and flight crew themselves. The elastic bands adjust to fit virtually any human head, and are designed with the range of human sizes in mind.

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