Schumer to FAA: Mandate Airlines Carry Pediatric Medical Supplies, Including Child-sized Inhalers

Press Release

U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today urged the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to conduct a comprehensive review of its emergency medical equipment requirements and mandate that all airlines carry appropriate pediatric medical supplies and medicines. Schumer's call comes on the heels of a recent transatlantic flight in which a 2-year-old boy suffered an asthma attack mid-flight and was thankfully saved by a local Buffalo doctor, Dr. Khurshid Guru of Roswell Park Cancer Institute, who constructed a makeshift breathing device when time was of the essence.

"At 35,000 feet, there is very little a parent can do if their child suffers from an asthma attack or other medical emergency and the medicine or equipment they need is not in the overhead compartment, or if it malfunctions. This is a nightmare scenario a parent should never have to go through," said Senator Schumer. "While the FAA requires all passenger flights carry certain medical supplies, the requirements do not include certain pediatric supplies, like pediatric inhalers and child-sized doses of certain medicines. This has the potential to leave children and their parents without a back-up plan, mid-flight -- and it could yield tragic results. So I am asking the FAA to conduct a comprehensive review of their medical equipment requirements to ensure that the supplies kids need are on board. This fix is a no-brainer that will ensure a child's asthma attack or other medical emergency can be treated as quickly as possible and allow everyone to breathe a sigh of relief knowing that children are more safe."

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