FAA Requires Airlines to Carry Heart Device

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) today issued a final rule
requiring U.S. airlines to carry automated external defibrillators
(AEDs) and enhanced emergency medical kits (EMKs) on all
domestic and international flights within three years. The rule,
which responds to the Aviation Medical Assistance Act of 1998,
affects airplanes that weigh more than 7,500 pounds each and
have at least one flight attendant.

An estimated 350,000 Americans are struck by cardiac arrest
each year. Cardiac arrest stops effective pumping of blood to the
heart. An abnormal heart rhythm called "ventricular fibrillation" is
the most common form of treatable cardiac arrest. Chances of
survival can be as high as 90 percent if defibrillation -- electrical
shocks that stimulate the heart to resume normal beating -- is
provided during the first minutes following collapse.

"Nine airlines either currently carry AEDs and enhanced kits or
have made a commitment to do so," said FAA Administrator Jane
F. Garvey. "Our rule will ensure that all airline passengers have
access to this potentially life-saving device."

The FAA rule also expands the EMK by adding medications that
may help passengers who suffer an in-flight medical event. The
following items will be added to each EMK:
· oral antihistamine
· non-narcotic analgesic
· aspirin
· atropine
· bronchodilator inhaler
· lidocaine and saline
· IV administration kit with connectors
· AMBU bag (to assist respiration following defibrillation)
· CPR masks

An EMK is already equipped with:
· sphygmomanometer (measures blood pressure)
· stethoscope
· three sizes of oral airways (breathing tubes)
· syringes
· needles
· 50 percent dextrose injection (for hypoglycemia or insulin shock)
· epinephrine (for asthma or acute allergic reactions)
· diphenhydramine (for allergic reactions)
· nitroglycerin tablets (for cardiac-related pain)
· basic instructions on the use of the drugs
· latex gloves

All crewmembers will receive initial training on the EMK and on the
location, function, and intended operation of an AED. Flight
attendants will receive initial and recurrent training in CPR and on
the use of AEDs.

Medical personnel are frequently onboard and can assist fellow
passengers during an in-flight medical event. In addition, a "Good
Samaritan" provision in the Aviation Medical Assistance Act of
1998 limits the liability of air carriers and non-employee
passengers unless the assistance is grossly negligent or willful
misconduct is evident.

The total estimated cost to the airline industry over 10 years for
equipment, medications, and initial and recurrent crew training is
$16 million.