During which situation is it critical to use the emergency escape slide?

Using the emergency escape slide is critical during an emergency evacuation. This procedure is designed for situations where passengers and crew need to exit the aircraft quickly and safely due to a threat such as fire, smoke, or any other hazard that makes remaining on the aircraft dangerous. The slide provides a rapid and efficient means of egress, allowing individuals to escape in a controlled manner, especially where quick evacuation is necessary to avoid injury or further complications.

In contrast, other scenarios such as aircraft maintenance, being on a taxiway, or preparing for landing do not typically necessitate the use of an emergency escape slide. During maintenance, the situation is usually stable and managed by trained personnel. If the aircraft is on a taxiway, conditions are generally safe enough for passengers to remain inside until the situation dictates otherwise. Finally, during landing, the appropriate procedures involve safely disembarking the aircraft once it has come to a complete stop and the aircraft is secured.