In an emergency situation there are a number of tasks to be done. If there is, for instance, an engine fire the crew must:

1. Continue to fly the aeroplane.

2. Deal with the fire.

3. Put out an emergency call.

4. Sort out the implications to various aircraft systems (e.g. electrics, hydraulics etc.)

5. Arrange any necessary diversion or other ATC requirements.

If the whole crew concentrates on putting out the fire and nobody flies the aeroplane then an emergency which could have been handled turns into a disaster.