On the recordJuly 19, 2023
I oppose this amendment because it would create an exemption for nonhub airports from the requirement to have at least one individual who maintains certification as an emergency medical technician, or EMT, during carrier operations. This amendment poses a safety risk that would be detrimental to passengers. Unlike what the proponent said about the Federal Government imposing an employment requirement on an airport, this is actually a single safety standard that applies to all airports, that there be a certified emergency technician to respond to emergencies at all airports. It is, indeed, a national standard, but one done for safety, especially in support of passenger carrying air carrier operations. In the event of a medical emergency that occurs at the airport or on a flight, passengers and airport workers should receive care as quickly as possible regardless of where they are flying to. Having an EMT available at the airport could mean the difference between life and death in the event of an emergency. All passengers should be reassured that even if they are traveling out of or through a nonhub airport, they have the same safety precautions at that airport as they do at all airports in the United States. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.
