Who is responsible for initiating a rapid deplanement?

In an emergency situation requiring a rapid deplanement, both the flight crew and the cabin crew share the responsibility for ensuring the safe and efficient evacuation of passengers. The flight crew, which includes the pilots, is primarily focused on the aircraft's operational safety, while the cabin crew is trained to manage the passenger environment and ensure their safety during evacuations.

The coordination between both crews is essential because the flight crew may take the lead in assessing the situation and making the decision to initiate the deplanement, while the cabin crew executes the evacuation procedures and directs passengers to exits. This teamwork ensures that all necessary safety protocols are followed and that passengers are evacuated quickly and effectively.

Other options do not capture the collaborative nature of emergency response on an aircraft. Ground personnel may assist after the deplanement begins, but they do not initiate the process aboard the aircraft. Hence, the correct answer outlines the joint responsibility of both flight and cabin crew during emergencies, emphasizing the importance of teamwork in ensuring passenger safety.