When a security incident occurs on the ground, who should the flight attendant contact first?

In situations where a security incident occurs on the ground, the flight attendant’s first point of contact should be the Pilot in Command (PIC). This is because the PIC holds overall responsibility for the safety and security of the flight, including all personnel on board and ground operations. By informing the PIC, the flight attendant ensures that decisions regarding the incident can be made at the highest level, allowing for swift communication with air traffic control and other necessary authorities.

The PIC is trained to handle various emergency situations, including security incidents, and will direct the appropriate response to safeguard the crew and passengers. This includes implementing emergency protocols, coordinating with ground security resources, and ensuring that all necessary notifications are made.

While other roles, such as the station's ground security coordinator or airport security, may become involved, the chain of command necessitates that the flight attendant first communicates with the PIC to ensure that actions taken are aligned with the overall safety and security protocols of the flight.