EASA SIB 2018-03
WITHDRAWN — SEE EASA ED DECISION 2021/005/R
Summary
EASA Safety Information Bulletin No. 2018-03 provides recommendations on the carriage and use of Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) for aeroplane operators conducting Commercial Air Transport (CAT) operations. It addresses the importance of AEDs in treating ventricular fibrillation during flights, especially on aircraft with a maximum operational passenger seating configuration of 30 or more. The bulletin highlights current regulatory frameworks from ICAO, EASA, and FAA and discusses the safety, types, and maintenance of AEDs.
What Changed
This bulletin introduces non-mandatory recommendations encouraging CAT operators to carry AEDs on aircraft with 30 or more passenger seats where cabin crew are required. It emphasizes conducting risk assessments considering passenger demographics, flight duration, and aircraft type to determine the need for AED carriage. The bulletin also recommends crew training and maintenance protocols for AEDs.
Why It Matters
The recommendations help operators enhance passenger safety by increasing survival chances in cases of sudden cardiac arrest during flights. With changing passenger demographics and longer flights, having AEDs onboard can be critical. Compliance teams and operators benefit from clear guidance on risk assessment, device selection, and crew training to meet evolving safety expectations.
What To Do
Operators conducting CAT with aircraft seating 30 or more passengers should assess the need to carry AEDs based on risk factors such as passenger profile and flight characteristics. They should implement maintenance programs to ensure AED serviceability and incorporate AED use into initial and recurrent cabin crew training. No mandatory compliance deadlines are specified as the bulletin provides recommendations only.