Air Carrier Flight Attendant reported a fume event during departure taxi resulting in the flight crew experiencing physiological symptoms. The flight returned to the gate for medical assistance.
Synopsis
Air Carrier Flight Attendant reported a fume event during departure taxi resulting in the flight crew experiencing physiological symptoms. The flight returned to the gate for medical assistance.
Narrative
I was the B FA (Flight Attendant) seated in the aft left jumpseat. During taxi before takeoff; the interphone bell rang. Both Name the C FA and I answered. One of the pilots asked if we could smell an odor in the cabin. We had both noticed what seemed like a mild cleaning solution odor; but it was not unusual. We both answered; 'a little bit.'Shortly after that; we got another interphone call from the A FA who said the odor was much stronger in the flight deck and even stronger in the forward cabin; and we were returning to gate. Once at the gate; all passengers were asked to deplane.While waiting to deplane; many passengers came to the aft lavatories. My best estimate is 10-12 people. The C FA and I began to informally survey their perceptions of the odor. All except one said they had noticed it. One person intentionally approached us to tell us that in the aft left section of the main cabin; it had been very strong.After deplaning; the A FA; and the D FA; who had been in the forward jumpseat; both had headaches and felt lightheaded. After consulting with our work health assessment service; they were both released from the rest of the trip.The pilots were also taken off the trip; though none of us knew if that was for health or time reasons. We had hoped to debrief with them; but they left during deplaning with no explanation.I would like Pilots to debrief thoroughly with cabin crew; sharing information and checking on all crew health; as well as perhaps passenger health; before leaving the area.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.