4.19.20 – Jumpseat Social Distancing/Safety Demo Exemption/PPE Drawer

Sunday, April 19, 2020

• Jumpseat Social Distancing
• Safety Demo Exemption Now Approved
• New Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Drawer
• Hands-Only CPR 
• Passenger Seats Blocked
• May CQT Schedule

 

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Jumpseat Social Distancing
The FAA approved our request to temporarily allow social distancing for Flight Attendants assigned to a double jumpseat on the Boeing 737 and A321NX only. If you are FA 3 on either of these aircraft seated on a double Jumpseat (next to FA 1), you may choose to relocate to the first-row aircraft right aisle seat of first class for taxi, take-off and landing only:

• Boeing 737D and 737N (160 seats) to seat 3D
• Boeing 737K and 737M (172 seats) to seat 1D
• A321NX to seat 1D

 

Procedures for this and voluntary exemption are based on the Inoperative Jumpseat procedures in the IFM.

Details at IFM > Aircraft General > Seats > Jumpseats > Inoperative Jumpseat.

The double jumpseat cannot be used during this exemption period for deadheading or commuting Flight Attendant.

Safety Demo Exemption Now Approved 
The FAA approved our request to temporarily change the way we perform the Safety demo due to concerns about COVID-19. For aircraft without a safety video, the safety demo must continue to be performed on all flights. What is changing is the requirement to don the oxygen mask and life vest during the safety demo.

New Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Drawer
The Company recently added a dedicated drawer for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in all premium cabin galleys in the glassware cart. The drawers contain hand sanitizing gels/wipes and additional gloves, which are restocked each time an aircraft is catered.

Hands-Only CPR
Based on the American Heart Association, it is temporarily acceptable to use hands-only CPR if you have a cardiac emergency on a flight. This means Flight Attendants can forego rescue breaths if they suspect the customer receiving CPR has COVID-19. Using a pocket mask helps protect against the transmission of COVID-19 and other communicable diseases due to the one-way breathing valve, and a combination of chest compressions and rescue breathing can lead to better outcomes.

If you perform rescue breathing, use your own pocket mask when possible. If needed, you may use a pocket mask from the Grab and Go Kit. A pocket mask is also contained in the Inflight Medical Kit (which may be opened only after instructions by the Physician on Call).

Using the AED is still required for cardiac emergencies. Prepare surface and place pads as usual. If you are performing chest compressions, be sure to wear gloves and throw them away after use. Do not touch your face and wash your hands for 20 seconds.

Passenger Seats Blocked
Additional seats blocked on A321 and aircraft. Blocked (Z-blocked) seats around select jumpseats and exit rows were put in place in March. Based on your feedback, we will now be blocking additional seats on the A321 aircraft to provide more distance between flight attendants and customers.

• A321L – 8DEF, 10F and 23A
• A321NX – 28A
• A321OA – 9DEF, 10DE, 11F and 24ABCDEF
• A321S – 10DEF, 12F and 25A
• All narrow-body aircraft — the last row of main cabin

 

May CQT Schedule
The Company reached out to APFA to avoid possible problems during the May training month. The number of students requiring training due to the training center closure, and the uncertainty of whether the training center could be brought back online 100% in May while trying to adhere to social distancing protocols presented numerous challenges.

The Company made the decision to cancel the training roster for May and remove TI dates on the schedule for the month May. Flight Attendants will now be able enroll into MAY classes on a VOLUNTARY BASIS (excluding FEB base month FAs set to go QI in May).

The Union agrees this option offers the Training Department flexibility during an unprecedented time, while providing Flight Attendants an option to attend a later training date once the situation stabilizes. FEB / MAR base month FAs will remain in their current training dates so their TI will remain unchanged to ensure they have priority to be in the class of their choice due to their qualification expiration before April and May base month FAs.

Please refer to the following link: Adjusted CQ Training Dates

• Maximum CQ class size – limited to small groups to adhere to social distancing, not exceeding 10 people
• Temperature scans prior to entering the Training Center by nurses
• Training Center classrooms cleaned and sanitized throughout the day
• All A/C trainers sanitized between usage and after each FA
• Social distancing protocols adhered to in the training center and door trainers (markers indicating 6’ apart), including the instructors
• FAs will not be required to demo PBE or Life Vest
• CPR Mannequins wiped down with sanitizer after each use
• Conduct CPR on individual basis – Instructor will act as second FA
• Hand Sanitizer and Masks provided throughout the classrooms and trainers
• Transportation is restricted to no more than 10 people per van (vans sanitized between trips)
• Joint Crewmember training will only include small group of FAs at this time, no joint Pilot/FA training.

 

The new class schedule for CQT will be published once it is finalized.

In Safety and Security,

Thomas Houdek
National Safety & Security Department Chair
[email protected]