Registering for Safe Skies
In 2001, I introduced Volunteer for Safe
Skies legislation, also known as the Voluntary Provision of
the Emergency Service Program (VPESP). The legislation was
passed later that year and was fully implemented in July 2006.
As you may know, it allows EMTs and other first responders
to voluntarily register with airlines so that they can assist
in the event of an on-board emergency. Police officers, firefighters
and EMTs can register voluntarily and confidentially with
only the knowledge of select airline employees such as the
airline’s crew. Unlike sky marshals, volunteers are not armed.
How to Register
1. Identify yourself before each flight
at the time of check-in to a customer service or ticket agent.
- Airlines will not solicit individuals
that may be qualified because the VPESP is voluntary.
- You will be required to identify yourself
before every flight that you want to volunteer
for.
2. Present credentials that indicate you
meet the definition of a qualified individual, identifies
your service category and includes an expiration date, your
name, full-face image, and your signature.
- Credentials, documentation, or ID that
do not contain an expiration date require the individual
to present an official letter identifying current employment
in a relevant service category.
- Credentials, documentation, or ID that
do not contain a full face image require the individual
to present a photo ID issued by a government authority.
After volunteering, the airline will ensure
that aircraft crewmembers are aware of your presence on the
flight, including your profession(s) and seat location.
Many aircraft operators place additional restrictions on volunteers
that include denying alcoholic beverages or preventing them
from using in-flight entertainment. All aircraft operators
will advise volunteers of any additional restrictions.
|
