B767 Undifferentiated or Other Model
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 250; Flight Crew Total 25000; Flight Crew Type 100
Situational Awareness
Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; General Physical Injury / Incapacitation
Human Factors; Weather
We departed [an East Coast station] bound for Paris. Our paperwork reflected areas of moderate turbulence starting around New England. I met with all the Flight Attendants in First Class and thought I did a thorough briefing based on all the information I had. I explained that we would have a bumpy ride and anticipated that it would start about an hour into our flight and that they may be able to start their service but have to be seated before completion. After departure; we got some additional reports from ATC that there were reports of light to moderate turbulence from I believe FL190-FL250. Our relief pilot finished his duties and was ready to depart the cockpit. I mentioned to him to advise the flight attendants to not start their service considering new information. As he was departing the cockpit we encountered what I would consider a moderate bump which lasted one second. The turbulence afterwards was light. I was not advised of an injury until much later. After level off we received a call from the cabin and advised that one of our Flight attendants had been hurt during the turbulence. I asked if there was a Dr. on board and please keep me advised. Some time later she advised us that a Drs. opinion was that we shouldn't continue considering his condition. I talked to the Dr and ascertained his specialty was in molecular biology. I attempted to contact dispatch via sat phone and had difficulty with sat voice not available and later went through [an alternate communication source] which faded as well. We resorted to communicating via ACARS and dispatch attempted contact with [medical services]. After about 10 minutes; Dispatch said [medical services] would not answer. I asked for our relief pilot to be summoned back to the cockpit so I can go back and meet with [the injured flight attendant] personally. After meeting with [the flight attendant]; it was obvious that he was in excruciating pain and needed to get medical help. My First Officer asked dispatch about diverting beginning a conversation where to take [the injured flight attendant]. I then conversed with the crew. We [advised ATC] and returned to [departure airport]. When we landed; no one was expecting us and we waited for a gate for 15 minutes. We were met by paramedics and made preparations to depart the continuation of flight.
A B767 Captain reported one of his flight attendants was injured during a climb in turbulence and the flight returned to the departure airport.