In-flight medical assistance with Emirates

Emirates, in partnership with Parsys Telemedicine, is introducing innovative technology to ensure fast and efficient medical care for passengers in the air. Thanks to an investment of more than $2.4 million, the company has co-developed a state-of-the-art system with Parsys, which is expected to be installed on 300 aircraft in the coming years.

 

This new "telemedicine station" is equipped with advanced technology for high-definition video conferencing, remote monitoring of vital signs and secure data transmission. Among the main features is the 12-lead Telecardia electrocardiogram , which allows a detailed analysis of the health conditions of passengers. Thanks to this innovation, Emirates' highly skilled cabin crew will be able to respond more quickly to medical emergencies, helping to save lives in flight.

 

The new system integrates the Parsys Telemedicine Kit for Emirates and the Parsys Cloud, revolutionising in-flight medical support. This portable station allows the crew to collect and transmit passengers' vital signs in real time to Emirates' Ground Medical Support, a team of experts active 24/7 at the airline's headquarters in Dubai. The kit includes advanced devices such as a pulse oximeter, thermometer, blood pressure monitor, blood glucose meter and electrocardiograph (ECG). Thanks to Bluetooth connectivity, data is automatically transmitted to the MedCapture© device, eliminating the need for manual entries and ensuring faster and more efficient interventions.

 

The heart of the technology is the MedCapture© tablet, equipped with an intuitive interface that simplifies the crew's work even in critical situations. The device allows real-time communication with doctors on the ground, allowing immediate assessments and even visual examination of the passenger's condition if necessary. The Parsys Cloud platform, based on secure cloud technology and compliant with data protection regulations, ensures the immediate transfer of information to ground support physicians, improving the quality of in-flight care.

 

The effectiveness of the new system has already been demonstrated in several real-world situations. During a recent flight to Lyon, an elderly passenger suffered a cardiovascular illness with a drastic reduction in oxygen levels. The Emirates crew intervened promptly, providing oxygen and using the MedCapture© device to transmit vital data to the medical team on the ground. Thanks to the immediate response of specialists connected via Parsys Cloud, the crew was able to manage the emergency with precision, ensuring the passenger received the necessary care until landing. This example demonstrates how Parsys technology enables seamless coordination between board and land, ensuring a high level of medical support.

 

To ensure the highest level of health safety on board, Emirates is constantly investing in the training of its crew. Each new member participates in an eight-week training program, which covers safety, services, emergencies, and advanced health care.

Medical training includes hands-on sessions, classroom courses, and online modules to prepare the crew to handle critical situations, such as sudden illness, allergic reactions, breathing difficulties, and injuries. Critical life-saving techniques (such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), automated external defibrillator (AED) use, and in-flight birth assistance) are learned through advanced simulations.

The crew is also trained in psychological and communicative aspects, learning how to obtain the passenger's consent before providing assistance, how to manage stressful situations and how to offer emotional support to those in need. After each emergency, staff can access psychological support programmes such as the Emirates Employee Assistance Programme, the Peer Support Service and the Sehaty Corporate Wellbeing Programme.

 

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