Real-Time Onboard Medical Assistance: Emirates’ New Initiative
Emirates has taken an innovative step in passenger safety and care by pioneering the implementation of onboard telemedicine stations in collaboration with Parsys Telemedicine. With an investment of over $2.4 million, this new system will allow passengers to receive high-quality, real-time medical assistance, regardless of altitude.
A Partnership to Save Lives in the Air
The new telemedicine equipment was designed after a year of collaboration between Emirates and Parsys, aiming to provide a more efficient and secure system. This technology includes high-definition video conferencing, remote passenger assessments, secure data transmission, and a 12-lead telecardiac ECG (12-Leads Telecardia ECG). Thanks to this innovation, cabin crew will be able to provide faster and more effective care in medical emergencies.
Cutting-Edge Technology for Rapid Response
The system includes the Parsys Telemedicine Kit, a portable device that collects vital information and transmits it to Emirates’ Ground Medical Support, a team of medical professionals available 24/7 at the airline’s headquarters in Dubai. This kit is equipped with a pulse oximeter, thermometer, blood pressure monitor, glucometer, and electrocardiogram, allowing for precise monitoring of the passenger’s health.
The Medcapture device, an intuitive tablet-based software, connects to these devices via Bluetooth, eliminating the need for manual record-keeping. Additionally, it enables real-time communication with ground-based doctors, who can conduct remote assessments, including video conferencing if necessary.
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All collected data is securely transmitted through Parsys Cloud, a cloud-based platform that ensures data protection and facilitates seamless communication between the crew and healthcare professionals.
Success Stories in Flight
Emirates’ telemedicine stations have already proven their effectiveness on commercial flights. On a recent flight to Lyon, France, an elderly passenger suffered a cardiovascular emergency, causing a drastic drop in her oxygen levels. The medically trained crew administered oxygen and used the MedCapture© device to send real-time data to the ground medical team. Thanks to this coordination, the patient was stabilized until landing, demonstrating the positive impact of this system.
Crew medical training
Emirates prioritizes training its staff in first aid and emergency response. New crew members undergo an intensive eight-week training program, covering safety, hospitality, and medical response. Topics include:
- Managing fainting, choking, allergic reactions, and breathing difficulties.
- Infection control and cabin hygiene procedures.
- Use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
- Assisting with emergency childbirth onboard.
Each year, the crew must complete a 1.5-hour online course, a 2-hour practical session, and flight simulations to ensure their preparedness is always up to date.
Psychological Support for the Crew
The training not only focuses on medical response but also on emotional support for passengers and self-care for the crew. Flight attendants receive training in empathetic communication, handling critical situations, and providing support to affected passengers’ families. Additionally, Emirates offers wellness programs for its team, such as the Employee Assistance Programme, Peer Support Service, and Sehaty, all focused on the mental health of the crew.
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