Emirates Unveils Inflight Telemedicine for Passenger Safety
Emirates has partnered with Parsys Telemedicine to launch a cutting-edge inflight telemedicine station, designed to deliver real-time medical care to passengers at 35,000 feet. The airline has invested over USD 2.4 million in co-developing this pioneering equipment, which will be installed on 300 aircraft in the coming years.
This first-of-its-kind system features high-definition video conferencing, remote health assessments, secure data transmission, and a 12-Leads Telecardia ECG, allowing Emirates’ highly trained cabin crew to respond swiftly and effectively to medical emergencies.
The system integrates the Parsys Telemedicine Kit and Parsys Cloud, enabling cabin crew to monitor passengers’ vital signs using a pulse oximeter, thermometer, blood pressure monitor, glucometer, and electrocardiogram (ECG).
The data is instantly transmitted via Bluetooth to a MedCapture© device, eliminating the need for manual note-taking and allowing real-time communication with Emirates’ Ground Medical Support team in Dubai, available 24/7.
During a recent flight to Lyon, France, the system helped save the life of an elderly passenger experiencing a cardiovascular emergency. Cabin crew swiftly transmitted her vital signs to the medical team, who provided immediate guidance via the Parsys Cloud, ensuring timely and informed inflight medical intervention.
Emirates cabin crew undergo eight weeks of intensive ab-initio training, which includes medical response, CPR, Automated External Defibrillator (AED) use, childbirth assistance, and managing conditions like choking, allergic reactions, and breathing difficulties. The new Parsys kit is introduced through blended e-learning and practical sessions at the Emirates Cabin Crew Training Centre in Dubai.
To maintain top-tier skills, crew members undergo annual recurrent training, including a 1.5-hour online course, a 2-hour practical session, and a flight simulation exercise. Emirates also prioritizes crew mental well-being, offering peer support, counseling services, and wellness programs after handling critical medical incidents.
With the Parsys telemedicine station, Emirates is setting a new standard for infligt medical care, ensuring passengers receive prompt and professional medical support whenever needed.
