The Federal Aviation Administration...

The Federal Aviation Administration has issued a final empire that requires US airlines to carry automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and enhanced conjuncture medical kits on all domestic and international flights within three years, according to an April 12 2001 just discovereds release from the organization. Airplanes that weigh more than 7500 lb and that have at least common flight attendant are subject to this rule

Nine airlines generally carry or have made a commitment to carry the required equipment. The urgency medical kit already is equipped with the following items:

* sphygmomanometer,

* stethoscope

* three sizes of oral airways,

* syringes,

* needles

* 50% dextrose injection,

* epinephrine,

* diphenhydramine,

* nitroglycerin tablets,

* basic instructions regarding use of medications, and

* latex gloves

The order also requires that the following additional medications be carried in each crisis medical kit:

* oral antihistamine,

* non-narcotic analgesic,

* aspirin,

* atropine,

* bronchodilator inhaler,

* lidocaine and saline,

* IV administration kit with connectors,

* Ambu bag, and

* cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) masks.

All company members will be trained in the use of the strait medical kit and the location, function, and intended use of AEDs. Flight attendants will receive initial and recurring training in CPR and the use of AEDs. Medical personnel who are passengers forward a flight can assist in cases of in-flight medical terminations A Good Samaritan provision in the Aviation Medical Assistance Act of 1998 however, limits air carrier and nonemployee passenger liability unles the assistance is grossly negligent or willful misconduct is evident.

Each year, an estimated 350000 Americans endure cardiac arrest. The total estimated expense of this new rule to the airline industry is $16 million during the nearest 10 years.

FAA Requires Airlines to Carry Heart Device (new release, Washington, DC: Federal Aviation Administration, April 12 2001) http://www.faa.gov/apa/pr/pr.cfm?id=1262 (accessed 19 April 2001)

COPYRIGHT 2001 Association of Operating compass Nurses, Inc.

COPYRIGHT 2002 Gale Group