The controller handling the distress traffic needs to manage their workload in order to dedicate their attention to the emergency. This is partly achieved by alerting the controllers of surrounding airspace so that more aircraft are not transferred onto the frequency.

ICAO Annex 10 Volume II
5.3.2.2 ACTION BY THE STATION ADDRESSED OR FIRST STATION ACKNOWLEDGING THE DISTRESS MESSAGE

5.3.2.2.1 The station addressed by aircraft in distress, or first station acknowledging the distress message, shall:

a) immediately acknowledge the distress message;

b) take control of the communications or specifically and clearly transfer that responsibility, advising the aircraft if a transfer is made;

c) take immediate action to ensure that all necessary information is made available, as soon as possible, to:

1) the ATS unit concerned;

2) the aircraft operating agency concerned, or its representative, in accordance with pre-established arrangements;

Note.— The requirement to inform the aircraft operating agency concerned does not have priority over any other action which involves the safety of the flight in distress, or of any other flight in the area, or which might affect the progress of expected flights in the area.

d) warn other stations, as appropriate, in order to prevent the transfer of traffic to the frequency of the distress communication.