What is the first priority for cabin crew when there is smoke in the cabin?

• A. Direct passengers to evacuate immediately without assessment.
• B. Instruct passengers to remain calm, have protective equipment if available, and facilitate evacuation if required.
• C. Ignore smoke and continue service.
• D. Call medical team first.

Answer: (B)

In a smoke-filled cabin, the priority is safety through calm, protection, and readiness to exit if needed. The best course is to keep passengers calm, use protective equipment if available, and facilitate evacuation if required. Staying calm prevents panic and helps passengers follow instructions. Protective equipment for the crew reduces exposure to smoke while you guide people toward exits and maintain control of the cabin environment. If the situation deteriorates or a clear, safe path to an exit exists, you can initiate evacuation to move everyone to safety quickly and orderly. Directing an immediate evacuation without assessing conditions can cause confusion or force passengers toward unsafe routes, while ignoring the smoke or delaying evacuation delays safety. Calling medical help is important as needed, but it doesn't address the immediate need to protect people and evacuate when required.