Flight Attendant Current
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Illness / Injury
Flight Crew Diverted; General Declared Emergency; General Physical Injury / Incapacitation
Human Factors; Equipment / Tooling
I was in the aft galley by myself during the cruise portion of the flight. The coffee pot was making a hissing noise; and the burner was filled up with coffee. I lifted the handle of the coffee maker and hot coffee grounds exploded out onto my chest and face. I received medical assistance on board the plane. The aircraft diverted. It was met by medical personnel. I was taken to the hospital. I received second degree burns to my face and chest.   Had there been a crew bulletin or warning from/by the company explaining that this can happen with the coffee makers; I would have taken precautions. I found out that in January 2013; the FAA let airlines know that this was something that could happen. Everything I read was exactly what happened to me.
The reporter stated that after this event she saw a news item about exploding aircraft coffee makers. Her Company had not put out any information about this potentially serious event.
I was flying 'B' position. 'C' came to the back while I was setting up galley for service and said she was going to go take her drink orders. Before I went into the cabin; I did start the coffee pot and everything seemed normal. I did not hear any strange sounds. When I went to take drink orders; 'C' was in the aft galley. Just a couple of minutes later into my orders; I heard a scream come from the back. I then stopped and went to see what was going on. I found the 'C' face and chest covered in coffee grounds. She was crying and said that the coffee pot was making a strange sound; so she lifted the handle and the coffee grounds exploded on her. I then called the 'A' and Captain to let them know what had just happened. 'A' came to the back and made a PA for a Doctor. A Doctor who happened to be a burn specialist came to the back and assisted the 'C' He then spoke to the Captain and said she will need medical attention and go to the hospital when we land. Then Captain then made the decision to divert.
A B737 coffee maker produced a hissing sound while dripping coffee; so the Flight Attendant opened the coffee tray and received second degree burns from exploding coffee grounds. An emergency was declared and the flight diverted for medical attention.