Attendants

Attendants are people who attend to the needs of others or to a particular activity. The term is used as a general noun for staff or volunteers who provide assistance, guidance, or service in various settings. Historically, attendants acted as personal aides, but in modern usage it often designates workers with formal roles in hospitality, healthcare, transportation, and public events.

Common contexts include hotel rooms and lobbies (hotel attendants or service attendants), airports and train stations (information or gate attendants), museums, parks, and venues (museum attendants, park attendants, event attendants), and on board transportation (flight attendants). Duties vary by setting but commonly include greeting and guiding guests, answering questions, carrying or delivering items, ensuring safety and accessibility, keeping areas clean, and coordinating with other staff. In healthcare, patient attendants or care attendants assist with routine tasks and comfort under supervision.

Training and qualifications depend on the role and jurisdiction. Some positions require on-the-job training, customer-service skills, and safety certifications (for example, first aid or CPR). Roles like flight attendants may require specific airline training and regulatory clearances. In many contexts attendants adhere to codes of conduct and privacy standards when dealing with the public or with clients.