Understanding the Omission of the 'Brace, Brace, Brace' Scenario in Flight Safety Briefings
The decision to omit the 'brace, brace, brace' scenario from flight safety briefings is a common yet somewhat perplexing choice by airlines and flight attendants. This omission is not merely a matter of convenience but is also rooted in a broader consideration of passenger safety and psychological wellbeing.
The 'Brace, Brace, Brace' Scenario
In the event of an emergency landing, especially those involving a forced ditching or a crash landing, aircrews and flight attendants instruct passengers to assume a specific brace position. While this is a critical safety measure, it is often not included in live safety briefings. This exclusion is a strategic decision made to minimize unnecessary anxiety for the majority of passengers.
Why is the 'Brace, Brace, Brace' Scenario Not Discussed Live?
In many safety videos and briefing cards, the brace position is demonstrated meticulously, emphasizing the importance of this posture. However, during live demonstrations on commercial flights, this scenario is not typically covered. The primary reason for this omission is the impracticality of physically demonstrating the brace position to numerous passengers simultaneously.
The Frequency of Emergencies Requiring the Brace Position
The brace position is only adopted in extreme emergency situations, such as forced landings or ditchings, which occur exceedingly rarely. In fact, the likelihood of such an event is often described as one in ten thousand or less. Given this rarity, it is not deemed necessary by aviation authorities to include it as a standard part of routine safety briefings.
The Psychological Impact on Passengers
Airlines and flight attendants aim to strike a balance between providing essential safety information and maintaining passenger tranquility. By not discussing the 'brace, brace, brace' scenario, flight attendants can manage the psychological state of passengers more effectively. Screaming 'brace' multiple times during a routine safety briefing can lead to a heightened state of anxiety, which is detrimental to overall safety.
Prioritizing Safety During Real Emergency Situations
When an actual emergency arises, the flight attendants have ample time to demonstrate the brace position. In such situations, the priority shifts from informing to instructing. Additionally, the likelihood of passengers properly assuming the position after a briefing is higher than in a typical safety session where many are distracted by headphones or other pre-flight activities.
The Importance of Life Jackets
While the brace position is vital for survival in crash landings, life jackets are also crucial for flotation during water landings. Therefore, their usage is often demonstrated live to ensure that passengers know how to properly use these equipment in the event of a water emergency. This live demonstration is essential because it ensures that passengers are prepared in case flight attendants are incapacitated, which is a small but critical contingency.
Conclusion
The decision to omit the 'brace, brace, brace' scenario from live safety briefings is a carefully considered one. It prioritizes the emotional well-being of passengers while still ensuring they are adequately informed about the essential aspects of emergency survival. This approach underscores the holistic nature of flight safety and the nuanced decision-making that goes into passenger care.