During an emergency, who is primarily responsible for passenger safety?

The primary responsibility for passenger safety during an emergency falls to the flight attendants and crew collectively because they are specifically trained to handle emergency situations and ensure the safety of all passengers on board. While the captain has ultimate authority and responsibility for the overall safety of the flight and can issue commands, it is the flight attendants who are on the front lines, directly interacting with passengers and providing critical assistance during evacuations, administering first aid, and following established safety protocols. Their training equips them to manage evacuations, maintain communication, and deliver instructions clearly and effectively, which is essential in maintaining order and security during a crisis.

The flight crew, including both pilots and flight attendants, must work together to ensure that all safety measures are adhered to, but the collective responsibility of the crew distinctly emphasizes that safety is a team effort rather than the sole responsibility of any one individual. In contrast, relying only on security personnel or the captain alone would overlook the essential roles played by the entire crew in emergency situations.