Check the carotid pulse for 5-10 seconds. If you feel no pulse within 10 seconds, start CPR cycles of 30 chest compressions then 2 breaths. Compress the center of the chest hard and fast (atleast 2 acheiving at least 100 compressions per minute) Allow for full chest recoil after each compression.
Carriers are required to provide adequate food and potable drinking water for passengers within two hours of the aircraft being delayed on the tarmac and to maintain operable lavatories and, if necessary, provide medical attention.
Lucky for us, the other first class attendant was more upbeat, and made a point of chatting us up more than once, especially when he could see my husband's growing angst over our late departure. And angst it was indeed: the flight was fully packed and we sat on the tarmac for more than 2 hours.