[rootusrootus]

A minute is a long time when you're sitting at your computer. But after the sudden depressurization, I imagine the pilot is focused first on making sure he has complete control of the airplane, assessing the situation, running checklists. Besides, 10K is just barely above the normal pressurization altitude anyway, it doesn't pose an immediate risk to the passengers that justifies just nosediving towards the ground. Especially given how much air traffic is at lower altitudes that close to PDX.

Edit: Re-reading, it was more like 16K feet when it popped, 10K is what ATC assigned them when requested. Still low enough not to be a critical emergency. Some people absolutely will get altitude sickness at that level, but it's likely to be mild. Many people climb mountains much taller.

[SoftTalker]

First and most importantly the pilots have to get their own oxygen masks on, if they delay this at all they will become hypoxic, unable to think clearly, then pass out, and then it's over for all on board.

[rootusrootus]

Agreed, this is definitely the first order of business. Similarly for passengers, always put your own mask on first before helping anyone else near you. Can't help if you pass out.

[sofixa]

See Helios Flight 522 for how that ends when the pilots don't realise what's going on and don't put on their oxygen masks.