BA2009-207-4P-1: The aircraft made an emergency descent due to a malfunction in the engine bleed system. The passengers’ oxygen masks were released. Many passengers panicked because they believed their masks did not function.
In order to prevent similar cases the Transportation Safety Bureau recommends to the ICAO to direct the attention of signatory countries to the unambiguity of the in-flight safety demonstration concerning the use of oxygen masks with special attention to the function and status of the clear plastic bag while in operation.
Should this recommendation be accepted and implemented the IC believes that such a measure could help the passengers feel more secure while on board.