Here is what the book says for emergency descent:
PNF PF
1. ST BELT ON 1. TURN ALT, PULL ALT
2. ENG MODE SEL IGN 2. TURN HDG, PULL HDG
3.ATC CODE 7700 3. PULL SPEED
4.ATC MAYDAY 4. SPEED BRAKE EXTENDED
5. PAX SYZ ON
Only action would appear to have been PF 1, suggesting rapid crew inacapacition. An event such as wind shield loss at 38,000feet would certainly be the most significant factor.
My question is whether the chance of recovery would have been greater in a non-fully automated cockpit environment.