If an emergency escape slide cannot hold air, how can it still be used?

The correct answer is that the emergency escape slide can still be used as an escape device even if it cannot hold air. Emergency escape slides are designed to facilitate a rapid egress from an aircraft in the event of an emergency where rapid evacuation is critical.

In scenarios where the slide may not be fully inflated due to a malfunction or puncture, it can still serve its purpose by allowing passengers to use it to exit the aircraft safely. The slide’s design allows it to provide a certain level of assistance in reaching the ground, regardless of its ability to maintain full inflation.

Using it as a ramp or escape path can still provide a quick exit, which is the primary goal during an emergency situation. Thus, while it may not function at its optimal capacity, its structural integrity still aids in the evacuation process, making it an available escape device.