6.25.21 – Turbulence Injuries

Friday, June 25, 2021

Turbulence Injuries

One of the most significant challenges experienced during the summer season is inclement weather, which often leads to turbulence.

Whenever encountering turbulence, always remain seated and secure yourself as quickly as possible. If you are in the aisle performing a service, brace the cart by wedging it between aisle seats, set the brakes, remove hot liquids from the top of the cart, and remain aware of the situation.

Stay seated until the Captain tells you it is safe to get up. If an emergency should arise, use your best judgment, and communicate with the flight deck. The most important thing is always to keep yourself safe.

Important Reminders:

• During the crew briefing, if you feel you have not received information concerning the possibility of turbulence during the flight, ask for additional information.
• If the flight deck crew advises you to take or remain in your jumpseat, do so – as quickly as possible, and remain seated until further advised. The flight deck crew will make an initial PA informing passengers of the turbulence—follow-up with subsequent announcements if necessary.
• If you experience moderate or severe turbulence, report via CERS within 24 hours of the event. If you are on an international sequence, report the incident within 24 hours of your return.

 

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Injured in Turbulence – What Next?

If you sustain an injury due to turbulence, notify the Captain immediately and request the turbulence and injury event be documented. If medical treatment is necessary, it is imperative to let the Captain know as soon as possible.

An Injury on Duty (IOD) may be filed 24/7 by calling: 844-777-8463

IOD Instructions and Information

A triage nurse from Sedgwick will answer your call. You are NOT required to follow the nurse’s recommendations and are free to seek immediate medical treatment. Advise the nurse if you intend to seek urgent medical care. Not all injuries require immediate medical attention. In the event of a medical emergency such as a head injury, do not wait to speak with a nurse- seek immediate medical attention, or go to the nearest hospital emergency room. If follow-up care is needed, be sure to talk with the registered nurse or your claims adjuster from Sedgwick.

All Flight Attendants should file a CERS Report.

It is always important to file a CERS report.

The CERS Report link can be found on your (EFB) tablet or the Flight Service website by clicking on Safety & Security, or you may connect from your mobile device.  Additionally, consider submitting a Cabin ASAP report as it is an invaluable means of documenting specific safety concerns encountered onboard the aircraft.

CERS Report

For more information about turbulence safety, please refer to the Inflight Manual – Safety and Security – General Safety or contact the Safety Department at [email protected]

The Company and the APFA EAP recognize the Critical Incident Stress Management Program (CISM) as a collaborative policy that is jointly managed and monitored. CISD’s are scheduled for any aircraft accident or serious incident within 24-72 hours following an event and are designed to lessen or avoid the potentially negative impact of a traumatic event.

JCBA Section 34.H.1. – The Company, upon notification of any aircraft accident, serious incident, or hijacking, or terrorist incident in which a Flight Attendant is involved, shall notify the APFA National President, APFA SSD Coordinator, and APFA EAP Representative. The Manager of Flight Service or her/his designee shall contact the APFA Base President when Flight Attendant(s) assigned to her/his respective base or involved in such incidents, emergency evacuation, or when a Flight Attendant is injured.

c. Serious Incident: An incident with Flight Attendants onboard a Company aircraft
involving any of the following:

vi. Turbulence resulting in injuries to crew members or passengers

In Solidarity,

Bellia Peckson
APFA National IOD Chair
[email protected]

Vivian Stubblefield
APFA Interim National Safety & Security Chair
[email protected]

Abby Alconcher
APFA National EAP Chair
[email protected]