I have spent countless hours in the sky, risking my own safety to ensure the wellbeing of hundreds of passengers daily, with the silent anxiety that things could go wrong at any given moment. Society often overlooks the immense responsibility and pressure pilots and flight attendants bear, yet we are not recognized as first responders. Due to the nature of our jobs, pilots and flight attendants often act as the first line of emergency response, dealing with crises at 40,000 feet in the air. We handle medical emergencies, fight fires, manage unruly passengers, and put our lives on the line to protect the lives of every person on board.

Recent statistics shared by the Fear of Flying (FOF) Resource Centre show that about one in every few passengers requires medical attention onboard an aircraft. Moreover, the FAA reported in 2015 that 96 fires occurred on flights worldwide. In each of these situations, before the paramedics, firefighters, or police, it's the flight crews who are the genuine ‘first responders.’ 

The title of "first responder" should not be limited to only land-based roles. Airline professionals meet all the criteria to be considered first responders, as they are trained and frequently act in a capacity parallel to firefighters and paramedics. This recognition matters not only for the respect it commands but also because it will lead to better support, resources, and training for flight crews - ensuring an even safer flying experience for us all. Join us in demanding that pilots and flight attendants be recognized legally as first responders. Please sign and share this petition.