Flight Attendant Current
Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
General Physical Injury / Incapacitation
Weather
Severe unexpected turbulence and resulting injury to FA-B. Aircraft was hit with unexpected severe turbulence approximately 25 minutes before landing; during initial descent. FA-B was injured as a result of the turbulence by being thrown out of her jumpseat; at which time her back was slammed into the seat on her way down incurring a road rash like burn and bruising (especially apparent on her left side) and also subsequently hit the right side of her head. FA-B is unsure as to what or when her head it. FA-B had a temporary loss of consciousness. Approximately 30 minutes before arrival; the CA announced over the PA to the PAX that the plane had just begun it's descent. During announcement; the CA mentioned 'there may be slight bumpiness'. The CA did not state; 'flight attendants prepare cabin' so FA-A contacted the flight deck and spoke to FO to inquire if that announcement was her 'prepare cabin announcement' (since that is often when it is given). FO stated it wasn't quite that time yet; however he stated we could go ahead and make that announcement early and start cleaning up; as there was a possibility of upcoming turbulence. FA-A made the initial descent announcement and followed up by conveying the information to FA-B. Both flight attendants began clean up/compliance/securing the cabin/galley. FA-B gave FA-A a thumbs up from the back of the cabin indicating all was secure in the main cabin as well as all compliance necessary for landing. FA-A contacted FA-B via phone; and stated that even though we still had one more announcement and final walk through to do after sterile; that FA-B should go ahead and be seated as a precautionary measure since she had completed her compliance (her galley was secure; all open containers emptied/restocked; no one in the restroom and the main cabin was also compliant). It was agreed upon that after sterile; if there was no unsafe turbulence we could walk the cabin one last time; if necessary. At that time the turbulence was light and sporadic. Additionally; no unsafe turbulence was anticipated; we were all just working to make for an easier and safer descent by cleaning up and getting seated early. FA-B then attempted to get into her jump seat. During FA-B''s attempt to buckle her seat belt (both arms were in the straps already) the plane began to experience severe turbulence. The jerking of the plane locked the straps preventing FA-B from snapping the seatbelt closed. Again; FA-B attempted to snap the seat belt together but the turbulence again locked the straps preventing her from locking the seat belt. Upon her third attempt to lock the seat belt a jolt of turbulence launched FA-B upward and out of her seat (including her arms being pulled out of the straps). It is believed (no witness) that as FA-B was launched upward the jump seat bottom closed partially upward so that as her body came down her back was thrown violently into the metal bar of the seat bottom. The next thing FA-B recalls is passengers in the back rows of the plane asking her if she was okay. She was initially disoriented at this point; had definitely had the wind knocked out of her and was concerned if she would even be able to walk as it felt like she may have broken her back or something severe like that due to the extreme pain. The passengers assisted FA-B to an actual cabin seat as she crawled slowly toward them and they reached out their hands to help pull her forward. She eventually was able to get into a seat (row 21 she believes) with their assistance. A PAX actually bucked FA-B as she was that weak and in that much pain. All of this occurred before the plane entered sterile.Note: FA-A was unaware of what had happened to FA-B until after the doors were disarmed because while FA-B was attempting to get into her jump seat and the severe turbulence began; FA-A was getting her paperwork with the arrival announcement; as well as the report which stated the arrival gate and baggage claim info. When theturbulence hit; FA-A still had a cabinet open where the papers were and immediately had to deal with keeping herself safe as she was too far from her jump seat to even try to sit down. FA-A did at one point see FA-B appear to be sitting on the floor in the last two rows of the cabin (in the aisle) when there was a momentary slowing of the turbulence (FA-A was attempting to get an assessment of the cabin as well as an assessment of 'how can I get to my jump seat [or to] safety' especially since there really was nothing on the floor for FA-A to hold onto if she tried to sit down) FA-A (me) believed that FA-B was following protocol for severe turbulence while in cabin; immediately sit and if necessary have PAX assist by holding on to you. By the time FA-A was able to get down and crawl safely to her jump seat FA-B was no longer on the main cabin aisle floor. FA-A assumed FA-B was in her jump seat as well. After the doors were both disarmed and crosschecked FA-B called FA-A and confirmed disarming/crosschecking. As PAX began to deplane; FA-B called and told FA-A that she was hurt but with no specific details. FA-A immediately notified the CA. The CA inquired to the severity and inquired if paramedics would be needed; and FA-A stated it was unknown. The CA immediately made his way through the remaining PAX to get to FA-B and assess the situation. Ultimately; the paramedics were called to assess FA-B and then it was decided FA-B needed to be taken to the hospital for further evaluation. FA-A accompanied FA-B to the hospital and remained with FA-B until all tests were completed and FA-B was released from the hospital. Also; please note that I FA-A was tossed around like a ragdoll (or as FA-B said I looked like 'a monkey swinging in the air'). FA-A did hit head several times on the ceiling as she was lifted and completely airborne; but did not incur any pain.Unfortunately due to the nature of the unexpected severe turbulence I believe it was handled as best as possible. The FO did notify the FAs of possible turbulence and suggested early compliance as a precaution. Both FAs did exactly as suggested by the FO immediately and were ready to be seated quite early; even with turbulence they were still in seat before sterile flight deck. As for acquiring witnesses and witness accounts unfortunately due to the timing of occurrence and the time FA-A became aware of said situation it was no longer an option to get said info. Additionally; based on evaluation following the incident; it is apparent FA-B was in shock and so it would be unrealistic to expect FA-B to have had the wherewithal to ask for witness info and/or for them to stay for a report.
Air carrier Flight Attendant reported severe turbulence during descent resulting in injury to one of the flight attendants.