Hosties learn unarmed combat By CLARE MASTERS in Sydney 02mar03
AIRLINE flight attendants are receiving military-style training in a program to improve aircraft security and passenger safety.
In the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks and Bali bombings, Virgin Blue has replaced its two-hour flight attendant lessons with a three-day program modelled on an army boot camp.
The intensive program teaches flight attendants martial arts, equipping them with the skills to defend themselves and to disable an armed attacker by using restraining techniques such as pressure points.
The Virgin Blue program was designed by former FBI instructor James DeMile, who used similar techniques to train FBI and Secret Service agents.
He formulated the course with Australian Doug Tritton, the boot camp's senior instructor.
A student of martial arts expert Bruce Lee, Mr DeMile said flight attendants could be effective in a violent situation, but were usually the most vulnerable.
"It's not about wildly swinging punches, it's about being in the position to protect yourself with specific disabling manoeuvres," he said.
As well as physical exercises and techniques, electronic equipment is used to measure response time and Mr Tritton teaches the crew stress management, distance judgment and weapons defence. But he emphasised the boot camp also focuses on preparing staff mentally for a crisis.
"People function better when they are relaxed. One of the biggest difficulties is to cope with fear," he said.
While Qantas declined to comment on its security measures for safety reasons, a Virgin Blue spokeswoman said the airline were taking every possible precaution.
"In the current climate, it is important to take whatever steps you can to ensure everybody is equipped with the right knowledge to protect themselves and guests," she said.
Virgin Blue flight attendant Rachel Holland, 30, said the specialised training equipped her to tackle an armed terrorist or a drunken passenger.
"It was very intense. You feel a lot more assertive after the course," Ms Holland said.
"We were taught size isn't necessarily an issue, and how to control verbal and physical situations.
"And I'm more secure now walking to the car at night."
Domestic flights also have undercover armed air marshals as part of increased security.
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