American unprepared for emergencies in the air per a new lawsuit alleging the airline did not have properly functioning equipment.
The lawsuit alleges American Airlines did not have a properly functioning automated defibrillator on board in 2022 when a teen died.
Kevin Greenidge was on flight AA614 on June 4, 2022 when he became unconscious and went into cardiac arrest. Crew members tried to administer a shock from the automatic external defibrillator, but its battery was not functioning per the lawsuit.
Melissa Arzu, Greenidge’s mother, says his death was a result of carelessness and gross negligence by the airline. She cited the uncharged mobile battery pack and lac of employee training in resuscitation.
Federal law requires airlines to have medical equipment such as defibrillators on board. The law also required flight crew to be trained in the use the equipment.
Arzu’s complaint states Greenidge sustained several injuries prior to his death. Had he survived, the complaint reads he would have been entitled to actual and punitive damages.
More than 350,000 people die of sudden cardiac arrest in the United States every year per the 9-11 Foundation.
Survival rates are as high as seventy percent when they are defibrillated within the first three minutes.
Multiple Reports: American Unprepared For Emergencies
American Airlines is having a challenging legal year.
An American jet hit a bus on the tarmac of Los Angeles International Airport earlier this year. Crews initially refused to speak to investigators.
Additionally, American Airlines was sued for wrongfully jailing a man.