The FAA also is proposing that airlines expand their medical kits to include such basic medications as aspirin and antihistamines. During that time as many as five of the airlines had begun carrying AEDs. The airline industry reported 119 cardiac-related events that resulted in 64 deaths. AEDs were used in 17 events, saving the lives of four passengers. An AED was unavailable for 40 cardiac-related events.
Defibrillators deliver electric shocks that stimulate the heart to resume normal beating.
The FAA said chances of survival can be as high as 90 percent if the device is used during the first minute of a heart attack. The FAA's proposal would not become a rule until it reviews public feedback on the proposal, including from the airlines. A period of four months is allotted for feedback. The FAA said eight major and six regional airlines either currently carry or have made a commitment to carry the heart device. The FAA's proposal covers airplanes that weigh more than 7,500 pounds and have at least one flight attendant.