FAA Requires Airlines to Carry AEDs

April 18, 2001
The Federal Aviation Administration has issued a final rule\r\nrequiring U.S. airlines to carry automated external defibrillators\r\n(AEDs) and enhanced emergency medical kits.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a final rule requiring U.S. airlines to carry automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and enhanced emergency medical kits.

The rule applies to all airplanes flying domestic and international flights that weigh more than 7,500 pounds each and have at least one flight attendant. The airlines will have 3 years to comply with the newrule.

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

In a study published in the Oct. 26, 2000 issue of The New England Journal of Medicine, researchers had tracked the results of an American Airlines program in which flight attendants were trained in using AEDs.

The devices were used on 200 people who were experiencing cardiac arrest, and 40 percent of those treated with an AED survived.

The rule also added several new medications to emergency medical kits that are already carried on U.S. airplanes. The new medications include oral antihistamines, non-narcotic analgesics, aspirin, bronchodilator inhalers and masks for performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Airline crew members will receive initial training on the emergency medical kits and on operating the AEDs.

FAA estimates that the cost to the airline industry over 10 years for equipment, medications and training will be roughly $16 million.

by Virginia Sutcliffe

About the Author

EHS Today Staff

EHS Today's editorial staff includes:

Dave Blanchard, Editor-in-Chief: During his career Dave has led the editorial management of many of Endeavor Business Media's best-known brands, including IndustryWeekEHS Today, Material Handling & LogisticsLogistics Today, Supply Chain Technology News, and Business Finance. In addition, he serves as senior content director of the annual Safety Leadership Conference. With over 30 years of B2B media experience, Dave literally wrote the book on supply chain management, Supply Chain Management Best Practices (John Wiley & Sons, 2021), which has been translated into several languages and is currently in its third edition. He is a frequent speaker and moderator at major trade shows and conferences, and has won numerous awards for writing and editing. He is a voting member of the jury of the Logistics Hall of Fame, and is a graduate of Northern Illinois University.

Adrienne Selko, Senior Editor: In addition to her roles with EHS Today and the Safety Leadership Conference, Adrienne is also a senior editor at IndustryWeek and has written about many topics, with her current focus on workforce development strategies. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics. Previously she was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck?, which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list.

Nicole Stempak, Managing Editor:  Nicole Stempak is managing editor of EHS Today and conference content manager of the Safety Leadership Conference.

Sponsored Recommendations

Avetta Named a Leader in The Verdantix Green Quadrant: Supply Chain Sustainability Software 2024

Nov. 26, 2024
Avetta was named a leader by Verdantix in a 2024 sustainability software report for our ability to help clients and suppliers build sustainable supply chains.

Avetta is a Leader in Supply Chain Sustainability Software

Nov. 26, 2024
Verdantix has named Avetta a leader in its 2024 Green Quadrant for Supply Chain Sustainability Software. Download the report for independent insights into market trends and top...

The Power of Benchmarking in Procurement: Driving Success and Strategic Planning

Nov. 26, 2024
Explore the strategic impact of benchmarking in procurement to drive success and plan effectively.

The Five Eras of Safety Maturity

Nov. 26, 2024
Discover the 5 Eras of Safety Maturity, from reactive measures to data-driven assurance, and how organizations can evolve toward proactive safety cultures.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EHS Today, create an account today!