Flight attendants undergo simulated training exercises to ensure they can handle emergency situations. Different training programs include emergency evacuations, fire fighting and hijacking situations. Flight attendants are required to complete updated training programs with their airline throughout their employment; training is often mandated once every 24 months.
Flight attendants are required to complete an advanced first aid course with CPR training. During a flight, passengers have limited access to medical personnel; therefore, flight attendants must learn specific first aid techniques. First aid courses train flight attendants to aid passengers with burns, broken bones, breathing difficulties, air sickness and panic attacks.
Before departure, flight attendants secure the cabin for flight. Securing the cabin involves a number of set procedures that include closing aircraft doors, checking that all carry-on luggage is stowed in the overhead bins and locked, and briefing passengers seated in the emergency exit rows on safety procedures. A final check to ensure that all passengers are in their assigned seats with their seat belts fastened is also necessary.
Flight attendants are required to inform passengers of different safety regulations on the aircraft. Demonstrations are provided that teach passengers how to correctly use seat belts, oxygen masks and flotation devices. The location of emergency exits, the aircraft's safety card and safety lights are also featured.
Passengers with special needs are required to be briefed about any accommodations they may require during the flight. Unaccompanied minors, parents with infants and the people with disabilities are given instructions by flight attendants of what to do in case of an emergency.
Although emergencies and evacuations are rare, flight attendants are trained on guiding passengers out of emergency exits in an orderly fashion while remaining calm. Training curriculums include instructing all cabin crew on the location of all exits, the mechanical working of the aircraft doors and the correct evacuation sequence of passengers.
