[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 66 (Monday, May 19, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E959]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            INTRODUCTION OF THE AIRLINE PASSENGER SAFETY ACT

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                        HON. BARBARA B. KENNELLY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 16, 1997

  Mrs. KENNELLY of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce 
legislation to promote greater safety in commercial aviation. The 
Airline Passenger Safety Act would require commercial flights to carry 
adequate medical supplies and equipment to deal with in-flight medical 
emergencies.
  As a frequent traveler of our commercial airlines, I know how 
important safe air travel is. Yet every year, passengers on U.S. 
airlines die in the air because the medicine or equipment that could 
have saved their lives were not on board the plane. Today, we have the 
technology to deal with in-flight medical emergencies, such as sudden 
cardiac arrest. But we do not have a requirement that planes carry this 
life-saving equipment. In fact, we do not even require airlines to keep 
records of in-flight medical emergencies.
  Technology to deal with sudden cardiac arrest has come a long way. 
Today's automatic external defibrillators [AED's] are smaller, lighter 
and more durable and with appropriate training, can be used by anyone. 
This past fall, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the use 
of these devices for commercial aircraft. To increase passenger safety, 
we need AED's aboard our commercial airlines.
  I am introducing this legislation which would improve the chances of 
survival for passengers in the case of an in-flight medical emergency, 
like a sudden cardiac arrest. My bill would require air carriers to 
establish steps to be taken in the event of an emergency. It would also 
require airplanes to carry an automatic external defibrillator and 
require each member of the flight crew to be trained in CPR and in the 
use of an AED. Since there is no method of recording in-flight 
emergencies, my legislation would also mandate that air carriers 
describe what happened and what actions were taken to assist the 
passenger in the event of an in-flight medical emergency and report the 
incident to the Secretary of Transportation so the public can be fully 
aware of the number of in-flight medical emergencies that occur each 
day. I have also included a ``Good Samaritan'' provision which exempts 
from liability both the airlines and passengers who step forward to 
offer assistance during an in-flight medical emergency.
  I think it is time that our airlines provide the safest possible 
travel for all passengers. As a frequent flyer, I think we all deserve 
to travel on a plane that is stocked with medical supplies and 
equipment and to travel with a flight crew that is prepared to handle 
medical emergencies, and I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

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