A B737-800 Flight Attendant reported that several passengers and cabin crew became ill or fainted while cruising at FL280 so the oxygen masks were deployed; an emergency descent completed and the flight diverted to an enroute airport where it was removed from service.

Narrative

When we finished boarding and the Captain advised us there was a problem with the right air conditioning pack. After 1 hour delay Maintenance placarded it. Approximately 35 minutes after take off; Flight Attendant #4; approached Flight Attendant #3 and Flight Attendant #1; she tried to inform us that Flight Attendant #2 was not feeling well; but unfortunately her words were slurred and we could not understand her. She looked pale and agitated. We sat her on the forward jumpseat and administrated oxygen to her. I left to finish the service with Flight Attendant #2. While on the cart Flight Attendant #2 mentioned to me she was not feeling well. She approached a commuter Captain and asked if he felt strange. Meanwhile; a passenger fell on Flight Attendant #2. I walked to the forward cabin to get oxygen and advised Flight Attendant #1 to notify the Captain. At the time when we were administrating oxygen to the passenger; another passenger fainted. I walked back to the forward cabin and told Flight Attendant #1 code red. I said to her; 3 passengers fainted and Flight Attendant #4 is already on oxygen; therefore we will need more oxygen. Flight Attendant #1 called the Captain and asked him to deploy the oxygen masks. We paged for medical assistance; while the doctor was assisting a fainted passenger another one and Flight Attendant #4 vomited; also another passenger had an asthma attack. All this happened in the mid cabin between rows 18-20. After 3 requests; the Captain finally deployed the oxygen masks. The Captain declared an emergency; we secured the cabin; Flight Attendant #4 felt better. Once I sat down; I felt light headed. We diverted. The aircraft was met by paramedics; the Fire Department; FAA; the police and the hazmat team. Four passengers were taken to the hospital; and after a while Flight Attendant #4 stated her left hand was still numb. The paramedics were called back and Flight Attendant #4 was taken to the hospital. I asked the Captain how come there was no loud noise or smoke in the cabin; he responded with it was not a decompression. I am very concerned about the incident; if it was not a decompression what caused the passenger to faint. I have 2 small boys at home; 10 months and a 5 year old; I would appreciate if the Company would provide me with the information. They had the sniffing dogs and hazmat team on the ramp and upon leaving the aircraft a police woman checked us for radiation.