West Midlands Euro-MP calls for DVT safety precautions

3.22.32pm GMT Tue 18th Mar 2003

A West Midlands Euro-MP and Deep Vein Thrombosis sufferer is today meeting with a representative from foot care specialists Scholl, to discuss her work on DVT.

Liz Lynne has suffered three deep vein thromboses (blood clots in the lower leg) in recent years – two after relatively short flights. Liz has called for a number of safety measures to be introduced as a matter of urgency:

· Clear advice in every pre-flight safety routine – whether by video or cabin crew.

· Passengers to be encouraged to stretch their legs when seated at regular intervals and walk around the cabins during the flight if possible.

· Water to be offered to all passengers at least once an hour to stop dehydration.

· Alcohol to be served in flight only with the warning that it can contribute to dehydration.

· Women to be advised that being on the pill could quadruple the risk of developing a clot.

· The use of small doses of aspirin to be investigated as a possible extra precaution for passengers.

· A study on the best forms of seat design and spacing to avoid blood clots to be carried out as soon as possible, with airlines to adapt their seats if necessary.

Many airlines already adopt safety measures. However, it is very mixed and they are not required by law to do this.

"Since forming my last deep vein thrombosis on a flight in 2001, I always wear compression stockings as a safety measure. However, with one Heathrow passenger a month dying from the condition, it is time the airlines took all practical steps to minimise risks – it should not simply be left to the individual," she said.