*EPF410 04/12/01
Text: Aviation Agency Requires U.S. Airlines to Carry Heart Device
(Rule also covers enhanced medical kits) (620)

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has ruled that U.S. airlines must carry automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and enhanced emergency medical kits (EMKs) on all domestic and international flights within three years.

All crewmembers will receive initial training on the medical kits and on the location, function and intended operation of an AED. Flight attendants will receive initial and recurrent training in cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and on the use of AEDs.

The rule, issued April 12, responds to the Aviation Medical Assistance Act of 1998 and affects airplanes that weigh more than 7,500 pounds and have at least one flight attendant. The rule does not apply to non-U.S. airlines.

"Nine airlines either currently carry AEDs and enhanced kits or have made a commitment to do so," said FAA Administrator Jane F. Garvey.

Following is the text of FAA's press release announcing the rule:

(begin text)

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 [intravenous] 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.

(end text)

(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S.
Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)
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