Flight Crew Last 90 Days 240; Flight Crew Total 16000; Flight Crew Type 3500
Physiological - Other; Time Pressure
Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Illness / Injury; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
Flight Crew Returned To Gate; General Declared Emergency
Aircraft
Flight attendants reported strong fumes in the rear of the airplane that were making both the crew and passengers sick. Symptoms included: sore throat; headache; and chest pain. They requested medical assistance meet the plane. The Captain declared an emergency with my support in case an evacuation would become necessary and to expedite our taxi to the gate.
During taxi for takeoff the B757 Captain declared an emergency and returned to the gate after the aft cabin developed strong fumes making passengers and flight attendants ill.