'Thanks to crew who saved me'

0 Comments | Sunday Mirror, Nov 11, 2007 | by VINCENT MOSS

AN MP who almost died on a plane is demanding new laws to force airlines to carry life-saving equipment.

Liberal Democrat Paul Keetch was technically dead for seven minutes after having a heart attack on a flight from London to a Nato meeting in the States.

The cabin crew on the Virgin Atlantic flight saved his life by using a pounds 1,000 defibrillator to restart his heart.

He is now spearheading moves to force all airlines to carry the machines and train staff to use them.

He said: "When I collapsed with chest pains a Brazilian medic on the plane tried heart massage. But it was the cabin crew's use of a defibrillator that saved my life. I was technically dead for seven minutes.

"These machines should be installed on all aircraft and staff given the training to use them."

Mr Keetch, 46, plans to apply for a Private Member's Bill at Westminster which allows MPs to try to bring in new laws. He will also be pushing for the EU to back his proposals.

He has written to Virgin boss Sir Richard Branson to thank his staff for their life-saving actions in July.

And he last month invited them to the House of Commons for a celebratory glass of champagne.