EMB ERJ 170/175 ER/LR
Flight Attendant Current
Flight Attendant Airline Total 6; Flight Attendant Total 7
Training / Qualification
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Other / Unknown
Flight Crew Diverted; General Physical Injury / Incapacitation
Aircraft
I had just finished preparing the cart topper for the main cabin service when my partner walked into the back galley for coffee. She was standing in front of the lavatory door waiting when I pulled the double beverage cart (nearest the waste cart) straight out to place the cart topper on. As soon as the cart cleared the metal separation bar it was if the wheels on the right side collapsed and the cart fell over. We were both completely stunned as neither of us had ever seen a cart behave in that way. It took a few seconds for me to realize that it had landed on the other attendant's foot. As soon as I saw she was profusely bleeding I handed her a pack of napkins and told her to apply pressure that I would be right back. I quickly made my way through the cabin asking for medical personnel. When I returned I retrieved the First Aid Kit and we began to administer first aid; a deadheading crewmember then grabbed the Emergency Medical Kit to retrieve another pair of gloves. I then called the Captain to let her know of the emergency. She called back to advise we would be diverting to a nearby airport and on the ground in the next 10 minutes. The deadheaders helped me get the cart upright and secured. We then got the injured attendant secured in an empty passenger seat. I briefed the dead header on the operation of the doors and he sat in an adjacent seat as blood had puddled in the floor area of the aft jumpseat. I then prepared the cabin for landing. Upon arrival I made an announcement requesting all passengers to remain seated as medical personnel would be coming on board. Once they got the injured attendant off the aircraft I went to the back and disarmed the rear doors.
When the wheels on a galley cart collapsed and crushed the foot of a flight attendant her partner with the assistance of other company employees treated the injury while the flight diverted for medical assistance.