If a passenger shows signs of hypoxia, what should be done?

Providing supplemental oxygen is critical when a passenger shows signs of hypoxia, which is a condition where the body's tissues do not receive enough oxygen. Supplemental oxygen can help alleviate the symptoms of hypoxia by increasing the amount of oxygen available to the passenger, improving their oxygen saturation levels, and reducing the risk of further complications. This intervention is particularly important in an airborne environment where higher altitudes may lead to decreased atmospheric pressure and lower oxygen availability.

While encouraging deep breathing and positioning the passenger upright may have some benefits, they are not as effective as administering supplemental oxygen. Deep breathing may help in some situations, but it does not directly address the underlying lack of oxygen in the blood. Similarly, positioning a passenger upright can assist with overall comfort and may help with breathing but does not provide the necessary oxygen they critically need during hypoxia. Administering water is not a solution for hypoxia and could even worsen the situation if the passenger is experiencing difficulty in breathing. Therefore, providing supplemental oxygen is the most appropriate and effective action to take in this scenario.