A321
Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Total 19000
Physiological - Other; Situational Awareness; Distraction
Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Illness / Injury; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
Flight Crew Became Reoriented; Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem; General Physical Injury / Incapacitation
Human Factors; Procedure
I momentarily forgot the procedure for use of the APU bleed after engine shutdown after we arrived at the gate and needed ramp assistance with the parking of the aircraft. This caused fumes to be ingested into the cabin; bothering the passengers as well as cabin crew. After the passengers were deplaned; the flight attendants complained about not feeling well due to having to breathe the fumes. Neither passengers nor crew requested to be seen by the paramedics. As the flight attendants were deplaning; they mentioned to each other about going to take a carbon monoxide test. The First Officer and myself were the last ones off of the aircraft. No fumes were present then.We had to stop short of the gate at the terminal due to the fact that we were not on the correct lead in line. When the Ramp Crew arrived to move the aircraft; we were told to shut down our engines. Because of our taxi-in procedure; the APU was running. I performed a misapplication of system knowledge when I switched on the APU bleed. Yes; that is needed to run the PACs after engine shutdown in order to provide air conditioning in the cabin; but we should have waited a few minutes to allow the engine fumes to dissipate.First of all; I need to review the procedure involving the use of the APU bleed air after shutdown. I knew the procedure then. But; the rather awkward situation that we were in at that time caused me to forget for about 30 seconds; which was just enough time to cause the fumes to be sucked into the cabin by the APU intake. Secondly; I should have insisted that the flight attendants see the Paramedics. However; since they deplaned rather quickly and did not request them; the First Officer and myself did not feel that it was necessary.
A321 Captain reported that improper use of the APU bleed after engine shutdown caused fumes to be ingested into the cabin.