A Flight Attendant working a B757-200 flight expressed concern that passengers incapable of performing evacuation assistance duties were being assigned seats in exit rows.

Narrative

Boarding was on time. The stairs were at 2L and the first two passengers needed help getting up the stairs. They were assigned exit row with needing assistance. I questioned them once they started getting on board and found out that the female passenger had a herniated disc and back injury. I then had another flight attendant change their seat as she would not be able to sit in the exit row. I questioned the passenger agent when he came on board before the door closed. I asked why this keeps happening and who is responsible for placing such passengers in the exit row? He said it was the agents outside the terminal at the front of the airport. This has happened on a continuous basis out of this airport. [Customer Service personnel] all should be briefed that this is not acceptable. The integrity of the exit row is compromised by the lack of concern from the agent. Communication seems to be lacking at this station. The agents who are assigning the people are not making the proper decisions with the passengers.