When oxygen masks drop, what is the first action a flight attendant should take?

The first action a flight attendant should take when oxygen masks drop is to put on their own oxygen mask. This is crucial because the flight attendant needs to ensure their own safety and ability to function effectively in a potentially hazardous environment. If the flight attendant does not secure their own oxygen supply first, they could become incapacitated due to altitude-related issues, such as hypoxia, which would hinder their ability to assist passengers.

By prioritizing their own oxygen mask, the flight attendant ensures they have the necessary air supply to communicate clearly, issue instructions, and help passengers properly secure their masks. This standard operating procedure underscores the importance of crew member safety in emergency situations, ultimately leading to a more organized and efficient response to the situation at hand.

Actions like shouting commands, evacuating passengers, or fastening seat belts might follow but are secondary to ensuring personal safety first.