Navigating the challenges of our profession means looking out for one another, especially when things get tough. That’s where the Critical Incident Response Program (CIRP) steps in to ensure you never have to face a difficult day alone.

What is CIRP, and How Does It Support You?

CIRP through AFA EAP is designed specifically for our Flight Attendants and offers support after traumatic events on an aircraft or during a layover. This includes incidents such as:

• Medical emergencies involving CPR or oxygen use.
• Traumatic experiences like disruptive passengers or a death on board.
• Injuries from aircraft equipment, such as burns from coffee makers or hot water.

The Process: Someone From AFA EAP Reaches Out

When a critical incident is reported, AFA EAP initiates a supportive outreach process to check on your well-being:

• First Touchpoint: You’ll receive an email in your company email account acknowledging the incident and outlining your support options.
• Second Touchpoint: An AFA EAP Representative—always a fellow Flight Attendant—will reach out via text or phone to ensure you feel heard, supported, and cared for.
• Professional Debriefings: For severe traumas, CIRP can arrange for professional mental health debriefings.

Supporting Every Flight Attendant

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, the reporting chain can break. To make sure you and your crew get the support you need, follow these steps:

1. Coordinate Onboard: The “A” or First Flight Attendant should connect with the Pilot in Command (PIC) and ask them to report the event to the Network Operations Center (NOC).
2. Report to the Ground: The PIC reports the incident to the NOC, which then initiates notification to inflight management and designated AFA Representatives at the Master Executive Council (MEC) and local levels.
3. Speak Up: If you don’t hear from anyone after a traumatic event, please reach out directly to AFA EAP. This helps ensure the incident is tracked and that Inflight management is aware that the crew needs support.

A Safe, Confidential Space

Your privacy is a top priority. EAP operates under strict confidentiality for all matters, including CIRP, professional standards, and personal issues such as substance use.

• Peer-to-Peer Support: We are Flight Attendants, not management. We receive specialized training to help walk you through difficult situations with empathy and understanding.
• Limited Company Feedback: The only information shared with management is whether you attended a debriefing or if there was a specific failure with aircraft equipment that needs attention.

Whenever you need a compassionate listener, referrals to helpful resources, or guidance after a difficult day, your AFA EAP Representatives are available 24/7. Reach out at (949) 470-0493 or (800) 424-2406—we are always here for you.

If you’ve ever questioned your relationship with drugs or alcohol, it’s important to know that you are not alone, and support is available. Flight Attendants have treatment options designed to address the unique realities of this career.

Note: This video references FAAS (Flight Attendant Addiction Support), which is a program for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants. Pre-merger Hawaiian Flight Attendants have similar support contained in the collective bargaining agreement.

FADAP (Flight Attendant Drug and Alcohol Program)

FADAP is a peer-driven, completely confidential program offered through AFA. Your Local Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Committee can connect you with approved treatment centers that understand Flight Attendant schedules and the specific demands of our job. Treatment costs are handled through your personal insurance.

FAAS (Flight Attendant Addiction Support) – Pre-Merger Alaska

FAAS is a newer partnership between AFA and Alaska Airlines for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants that provides structured support and a pathway to return to work based on your recovery and documentation. This program offers three distinct pathways depending on your situation:

• Pathway One: For those who come forward early and proactively. This option is fully paid for by Alaska Airlines.
• Pathway Two: For situations involving layover misconduct. This option is also paid for by Alaska Airlines.
• Pathway Three: For situations involving a positive DOT test. In this case, the Flight Attendant is responsible for treatment costs.

Similarly, pre-merger Hawaiian Flight Attendants have support for treatment, rehabilitation, and, whenever possible, return to duty under section 20.I.4, 5, and 6 of the collective bargaining agreement. 

Take the First Step

If you or a Flight Attendant you know is struggling, please reach out for a confidential conversation. You can contact your Local EAP/Professional Standards Committee or explore additional resources online:

• FADAP Information: Visit fadap.org.
• FAAS Information (pmAS): Find more on the Inflight website under the Administration section.
• Call Us: Call us anytime for support at (949) 470-0493 or (800) 424-2406

As we wrap up the first week of EAP/Professional Standards Committee Focus Month, we’re excited to share an open conversation that takes you behind the scenes of our support network built for Flight Attendants.

MEC Communications Committee Chairperson Brian Palmer recently sat down with pre-merger Alaska MEC EAP/Professional Standards Committee Chairperson Melanie Buker and Vice Chairperson Elizabeth Dillon to discuss the heart of the Committee and how it serves as a confidential, peer-based resource for all Flight Attendants.

Our AFA EAP/Professional Standards Committee is a comprehensive support system, made up of fellow Flight Attendants (not management), here to help you across your personal and professional life:

• EAP (Employee Assistance Program): Confidential support for personal assistance, mental health and well-being, substance use concerns, and life changes.
• CIRP (Critical Incident Response Program): Timely emotional first aid from specially trained peers after serious events.
• Professional Standards: Confidential, peer-to-peer intervention to informally resolve workplace conflicts and promote professional conduct without involving management or risking discipline.

This video is a great way to see how these three programs come together to support you—both at work and beyond. Take a few minutes to watch the interview and see how this support network is working for you:

Our AFA EAP/Professional Standards Committee is always here for you—whenever you need support. Save our 24/7 confidential phone number and don’t hesitate to reach out.

24/7 Contact Information

Phone: (949) 470-0493 or (800) 424-2406
Email: eap@afaalaska.org
Learn More: afaalaska.org/eap

We’re excited to launch our first AFA Committee Focus Month this month. This program will help you get to know the different AFA Committees, all made up of volunteer Flight Attendants, the work they do for us, and the resources available to you. We’re starting by highlighting our AFA Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee, which lines up with National Mental Health Awareness Month. Taking care of your well-being is not just encouraged—it’s essential.

Our EAP/Professional Standards Committee, commonly referred to as AFA EAP, is a confidential, Union-operated, peer-based support network. Made up of specially-trained fellow Flight Attendant volunteers—not management—the Committee works together as one to offer resources for every challenge, from your personal life to your professional career.

Keep in mind that AFA EAP is different from the company’s EAP, Lyra. While both programs work to support you, AFA EAP is run entirely by our Union, which means more privacy and no management involvement. Our Committee is truly Flight Attendants helping Flight Attendants.

How Our EAP/Professional Standards Committee Supports You

The Committee provides confidential support across three core programs:

• EAP (Employee Assistance Program): EAP is a confidential lifeline that offers help for mental health, substance use concerns, grief, and life changes. If you’re feeling tired from a tough schedule, dealing with family stress, or facing financial worries, we’re here to support you.
• CIRP (Critical Incident Response Program): When the job is especially tough, CIRP provides emotional support after serious events, such as a medical emergency on board, a security issue, or a natural disaster. We connect you to long-term help so you never have to face a critical incident alone.
• Professional Standards: Before conflicts escalate, Professional Standards offers confidential, peer-to-peer help to resolve issues informally, such as miscommunication or a problem with professional conduct. We aim to encourage clear communication, repair relationships, and prevent matters from going to management, where discipline might occur.

We encourage you to contact an EAP Committee Member whenever you need support. Your privacy is important to us, and everything is confidential.

Understanding Your Resources: A Four-Week Focus

To help you learn about all the resources the EAP/Professional Standards Committee offers, we’ll spend the next four weeks highlighting the different parts of the Committee:

• This Week (General Overview): Introducing your AFA EAP Committee and the comprehensive structure of our support network.
• Week 2 (EAP): Confidential, everyday support for personal and professional challenges.
• Week 3 (CIRP): Critical Incident Response Program for emotional first aid after serious events.
• Week 4 (Professional Standards): Peer-to-peer intervention to resolve day-to-day workplace conflicts informally.

Learn More About Your Support Network: Watch the Video

Want to see how this support network can help you? Watch this short video featuring pre-merger Alaska EAP/Professional Standards Committee Chairperson Melanie Buker and Vice Chairperson Elizabeth Dillon. See how the three main Committee components—EAP, CIRP, and Professional Standards—can make a difference with your personal and work challenges. 

After watching, share it with a flying partner who may benefit—be the reason someone else finds support.

Contact Information

Your privacy is important. Save our confidential 24/7 contact number now and reach out whenever you need us:

• 24/7 Confidential Phone: (949) 470-0493 or (800) 424-2406
• Email: eap@afaalaska.org
• Website: afaalaska.org/eap

Stress is an inherent aspect of the Flight Attendant profession, often stemming from the demanding nature of responsibilities and the unpredictable nature of air travel. It’s essential for Flight Attendants not only to understand the different types of stress they may encounter but also to recognize the warning signs of acute and delayed stress for effective stress management.

Acute Stress: Turbulence in the Mind

Acute stress is like sudden turbulence during a flight—an unexpected and intense event that can disrupt the normal flow of operations. Flight Attendants may experience acute stress during emergency situations, unruly passenger incidents, or unexpected flight delays. This type of stress triggers the body’s fight-or-flight response, leading to physiological changes such as a rapid heartbeat, shallow breathing, and gastrointestinal discomfort.

Physical Symptoms of Acute Stress:

• Heightened heart rate
• Nausea or stomach cramps
• Rapid breathing

Cognitive Impact of Acute Stress:

• Impaired decision-making
• Difficulty concentrating
• Emotional reactivity

Delayed Stress: The Quiet Aftermath

Delayed stress, much like a delayed flight, doesn’t manifest immediately but can have lasting effects. Flight Attendants may experience delayed stress after particularly challenging flights, traumatic incidents, or extended periods of high stress. This type of stress can be confusing as it emerges after the initial event has passed, potentially catching individuals off guard. Symptoms of delayed stress include:

• Persistent feelings of anxiety or unease
• Intrusive thoughts or flashbacks related to the stressful event
• Difficulty sleeping or concentrating

Proactive Stress Management Strategies

Flight Attendants can adopt various strategies to manage stress effectively and maintain their well-being amidst the challenges of their profession.

Self-Care Practices:

• Regular exercise and physical activity
• Adequate rest and sleep
• Mindfulness or relaxation techniques

Seek Support:

• Utilize your AFA EAP
• Connect with peer support groups or mental health resources

Set Boundaries

• Establishing work-life balance
• Learn to say no to additional responsibilities when feeling overwhelmed

Remember, our AFA Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee is here to support you. Reach out for confidential assistance, resources, and guidance tailored to your needs at (949) 470-0493 or (800) 424-2406.