Before opening the GSD in emergency mode, what must the flight attendant first do?

When preparing to open the GSD (Galley Service Door) in emergency mode, it is crucial for the flight attendant to first assess conditions outside the door. This step is vital because the safety of the passengers and crew depends on ensuring that the area outside the door is secure and that there are no hazards, such as fire, smoke, or other dangers that could pose a risk during an evacuation. By completing this assessment first, the flight attendant can make an informed decision about whether it is safe to proceed with opening the door, ensuring the well-being of everyone on board.

Other tasks, such as checking cabin readiness, notifying the pilot, or preparing emergency equipment, are also important in emergency situations but come after the initial assessment of outside conditions to ensure a safe evacuation path is available.