It is not an isolated trick.
The entire seating position—including the head, back, feet, arms, and restraint—is intended to help protect the crew member.
Cabin Crew Are Trained for Emergencies
Flight attendants are not simply responsible for serving food and drinks.
They are trained safety professionals.
Their training can include:
- Emergency evacuation procedures
- Fire response
- First aid
- CPR
- Passenger management
- Emergency equipment
- Water evacuation procedures
- Aircraft-specific safety procedures
They must also practice responding to situations where they have very little time to react.
This is why their behavior during takeoff
