Save lives by making defibrillators compulsory on all airlines - Petition for Medical Professionals
It is with much sadness that many of us medical professionals have today read about the tragic death of Davina Tavener, a 47 year old mother of two, who collapsed and died on a Ryanair flight. However as well as sadness and empathy for her grieving family, many of us have also expressed shock and disappointment that airlines are not legally required to carry automated external defibrillators (AEDs) on board aircraft.
No one will ever know whether Davina's life could have been saved if an AED had been carried on board her flight, however it may have made a difference. As medical professionals there is no greater feeling of helplessness than attending to a member of the public who has collapsed and has no pulse, only to find that there is no AED nearby.
Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) save lives, are safe and are simple to use, even by someone with no medical training or experience. Airline passengers should have access to the best medical care possible should they become unwell during their flight. However if no AED is carried on board then a passenger who has a cardiac arrest will be being deprived of the best chance of survival. AEDs undoubtedly save lives. After a cardiac arrest every minute without CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and defibrillation reduces someone's chance of survival by 10 per cent.
When AEDs are now commonplace in many public areas such as train stations, football stadiums and shopping centres why then should they not be carried by all airlines?
By signing this petition, as medical professionals we are imploring the Civil Aviation Authority, the Irish Aviation Authority and the European Aviation Safety Agency to make it compulsory for AEDs to be carried by all airlines.
Updates
June 17, 2015
I have been reviewing the stories many of you have shared regarding your own experiences with cardiac emergencies during travel. These accounts reinforce the reality that the current lack of equipment on aircraft is not just a policy oversight but a profound risk to passenger safety. I am currently compiling these experiences to present to airline regulators as evidence of the urgent need for change.
June 17, 2015
Seeing the growing momentum behind this call for change has been deeply validating for those of us who have witnessed the gaps in current safety standards. This collective response confirms that the demand for accessible defibrillators on flights is a matter of clear public interest. It is encouraging to see medical professionals and concerned travelers uniting to advocate for a standard of care that should exist everywhere.
Reached 100 supporters
June 17, 2015
31 Comments
I had a passenger take ill on a flight I was on. I asked for O2... None available... An AED.., No... He was diaphoretic , vomiting, complaining of Chest Pain. Luckily we were near the Airport, I advised the crew that am Ambulance meet the plane. I watched him until we landed feeling totally useless.
Surely this must be a standard item of safety equipment bearing in mind the time that it would take to get a patient to medical care.
should be compulsory on planes . Issues with some Irish airlines allowing people carry their own AEDs on board , just can't find a reason why
I run a first aid training company and firmly believe that aed decision should be on aircraft, we would be happy to!train staff to support this worth cause.
So sad..such a young life. It must be compulsory. I am an X Pat in spain and AEDs are going into sports centres etc.It should be law.
It's about time AED's were available on EVERY flight.
No discrimination allowed in regards to job title being medical professional only
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Save lives by making defibrillators compulsory on all airlines - Petition for Medical Professionals
It is with much sadness that many of us medical professionals have today read about the tragic death of Davina Tavener, a 47 year old mother of two, who collapsed and died on a Ryanair flight. However as well as sadness and empathy for her grieving family, many of us have also expressed shock and disappointment that airlines are not legally required to carry automated external defibrillators (AEDs) on board aircraft.
No one will ever know whether Davina's life could have been saved if an AED had been carried on board her flight, however it may have made a difference. As medical professionals there is no greater feeling of helplessness than attending to a member of the public who has collapsed and has no pulse, only to find that there is no AED nearby.
Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) save lives, are safe and are simple to use, even by someone with no medical training or experience. Airline passengers should have access to the best medical care possible should they become unwell during their flight. However if no AED is carried on board then a passenger who has a cardiac arrest will be being deprived of the best chance of survival. AEDs undoubtedly save lives. After a cardiac arrest every minute without CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and defibrillation reduces someone's chance of survival by 10 per cent.
When AEDs are now commonplace in many public areas such as train stations, football stadiums and shopping centres why then should they not be carried by all airlines?
By signing this petition, as medical professionals we are imploring the Civil Aviation Authority, the Irish Aviation Authority and the European Aviation Safety Agency to make it compulsory for AEDs to be carried by all airlines.
Updates
June 17, 2015
I have been reviewing the stories many of you have shared regarding your own experiences with cardiac emergencies during travel. These accounts reinforce the reality that the current lack of equipment on aircraft is not just a policy oversight but a profound risk to passenger safety. I am currently compiling these experiences to present to airline regulators as evidence of the urgent need for change.
June 17, 2015
Seeing the growing momentum behind this call for change has been deeply validating for those of us who have witnessed the gaps in current safety standards. This collective response confirms that the demand for accessible defibrillators on flights is a matter of clear public interest. It is encouraging to see medical professionals and concerned travelers uniting to advocate for a standard of care that should exist everywhere.
Reached 100 supporters
June 17, 2015
31 Comments
DEFIBRILLATORS are part of resuscitation in 2015. I will be writing myself yo the CEOs of Aer Lingus and Ryainair to ask for these to be on board all aircraft.
I had a passenger take ill on a flight I was on. I asked for O2... None available... An AED.., No... He was diaphoretic , vomiting, complaining of Chest Pain. Luckily we were near the Airport, I advised the crew that am Ambulance meet the plane. I watched him until we landed feeling totally useless.
Surely this must be a standard item of safety equipment bearing in mind the time that it would take to get a patient to medical care.
should be compulsory on planes . Issues with some Irish airlines allowing people carry their own AEDs on board , just can't find a reason why
I run a first aid training company and firmly believe that aed decision should be on aircraft, we would be happy to!train staff to support this worth cause.
So sad..such a young life. It must be compulsory. I am an X Pat in spain and AEDs are going into sports centres etc.It should be law.
It's about time AED's were available on EVERY flight.
No discrimination allowed in regards to job title being medical professional only
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DEFIBRILLATORS are part of resuscitation in 2015. I will be writing myself yo the CEOs of Aer Lingus and Ryainair to ask for these to be on board all aircraft.