10.1 Emergency Exits
Emergency exits vary between aircraft, and their size usually depends on the aircraft's size. They can, and often do, include the service doors, which serve as an emergency exit, but there are also over-wing exits, tail-cone exits in the cabin itself, as well as hatches and windows. Some emergency exits are also equipped with emergency slides, allowing for a rapid evacuation. In addition to emergency slides, certain aircraft designs also include ropes and/or boarding stairs.
Emergency Exits
A view of emergency exits from the inside (left) and outside (right) of an aircraft.
Emergency Slides
An example of an activated emergency slide -In the event of a water landing, the emergency slide can serve two purposes.
1. Allow able bodied passengers (ABPs) to evacuate easily and fast.
2. Inflate into a raft
10.2 Evacuation
An evacuation will usually be ordered by the captain, however in the event of the intercoms system not working, leaving cabin crew unable to communicate with the flight deck; command will pass over to the senior cabin crew member (SCCM), who can order an emergency evacuation.
Before that is done, it's the duty of all cabin crew to assess the situation, ensuring it's safe to open emergency doors, as there may be a fire, or engines still running, posing a risk to passenger safety. Until instructions are given, in the event of an emergency, the cabin crew also have to supervise passengers until a risk assessment is done to be sure that opening the doors is safe, or if another emergency exit needs to be used.
In the event of an emergency, it's more important to know when the emergency doors can be opened safely. Most passengers in emergency situation will naturally go into fight or flight mode. Therefore, it's essential for cabin crew staff to ensure each passenger is assured that flight and cabin crew are taking precautions for an emergency evacuation, or a rapid deplane.
The senior cabin crew and flight crew will assess the situation, and as they do, the cabin crew will be in communication with passengers, briefing them on the emergency protocols, such as getting passengers prepared for a water landing, or to leave all personal belongings in the aircraft in the event of a rapid deplane exit at an airport.
No matter what emergency procedure is ordered by the flight crew, it's the duty of the cabin crew to implement them ensuring all passengers are properly briefed on the actions to take for safety precautions.
10.3 Why Cabin Crew Members Must be Physically Fit
When an emergency takes place, cabin crew members are the people who need to open the doors swiftly. Part of a cabin crew member's induction period will include proving they are fit enough to perform this important duty. Although it is possible to ask ABPs to help out, this should not be the first approach a cabin crew member takes. When passengers are panicking, they look to cabin crew members to open the doors, not each other.
It is unlikely that you will be asked to demonstrate your strength in this respect at an interview. However, it is likely that you could trip yourself up during the induction period by not being fit enough to open them. As such, it is your duty to keep yourself fit and healthy. As well as maintaining a healthy weight, do what you can to improve your upper body strength. This can include weights at the gym, which will build your body's resistance.
Always remember that it is necessary to maintain these levels of fitness throughout your career as a cabin crew member. If, at any point, you cannot maintain the high safety standards expected of you during your career, you may be asked to take an on-the-ground role instead.
Here are some good websites to visit that will help keep you fit :
1.Health and Fitness Tips - NHS Fitness
2.Insanity Workout - Insanity
3.Food Tracker - My Fitness Pal
10.4 Selecting Passengers to Help you Open the Exits
It is worth knowing which passengers can help you open the exits. They must be:
1.Aged 12-18 minimum, this can vary between countries and airlines
2.Able bodies
3.Not flying with someone who may need assistance, such as someone who is disabled, an infant, or an elderly person who has trouble moving alone
4.They must be able to speak the language you are able to converse in
5.They must not be so large they need to wear an extension seatbelt
6.They must be able to lift at least 27kg, although it is highly unlikely that you can determine this during an emergency. A good indicator is to ask them whether they lift weights.
7.Not only are the emergency exits your route to safety, they are also a source of comfort. It is likely that those sat next to the emergency exit require extra legroom.
8.Passengers of a certain age may not be able to sit next to the exit, and this usually pertains to those who are very young.
Module Summary
In this module you will found out about the emergency exits and doors. To the average customer, the seats next to these doors are an excellent source of comfort. This is because they offer more legroom than other seats. However, they are also a source of safety. All cabin crew members must be able to open the emergency exits immediately. In addition, it is necessary to identify those who may be able to assist with opening them. Knowing more about how to build your fitness so you can perform your duties efficiently is essential,
and may increase your chances of securing a job.
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