During an emergency, what is one of the crew members' essential duties?

In an emergency situation, one of the crew members' essential duties is to notify dispatch. This action is critical because it ensures that the appropriate authorities and support systems are informed about the emergency. Dispatch can then coordinate necessary resources, such as emergency services, and communicate vital information to help manage the situation effectively. Timely notification allows for a swift response, which can be crucial in mitigating risks and ensuring the safety of passengers and crew.

The other duties listed, while important in their respective contexts, do not address the immediate needs of an emergency scenario as directly as notifying dispatch does. For example, maintenance checks and crew scheduling are routine operational tasks, and conducting passenger surveys is irrelevant in the face of an urgent situation. The focus during emergencies is on communication and ensuring safety, making the duty to notify dispatch essential.