Emirates revolutionize in-flight medical care

Emirates Airline has partnered with Parsys Telemedicine to introduce a telemedicine station, enhancing in-flight medical care for passengers. The airline has invested over $2.4 million in co-developing the system, which will be installed on 300 aircraft in the coming years, according to the Emirates Airline.

The new system integrates high-definition video conferencing, remote medical assessment, secure data transmission, and a 12-Lead Telecardia ECG, allowing cabin crew to manage medical emergencies more efficiently.

The system includes the Parsys Telemedicine Kit and Parsys Cloud, enabling cabin crew to collect vital signs using Bluetooth-connected medical devices such as a pulse oximeter, thermometer, blood pressure monitor, glucometer, and electrocardiogram (ECG). These readings are transmitted in real time to Emirates’ 24/7 Ground Medical Support team in Dubai, ensuring rapid expert guidance.

The Medcapture tablet, embedded with Emirates' medical protocols, allows the crew to seamlessly operate the system and communicate with ground-based doctors, providing faster, more precise medical responses.

The telemedicine kit has already contributed to several successful in-flight medical interventions. During a recent flight to Lyon, an elderly passenger suffered a cardiovascular emergency. The cabin crew provided oxygen and used the Medcapture device to transmit vital signs to the Ground Medical Support team, who guided the crew through life-saving measures.

"The system enabled real-time coordination between the onboard team and medical experts, ensuring the passenger received the best possible care," Emirates stated.

Emirates equips its cabin crew with comprehensive medical training, covering emergencies such as fainting, choking, breathing difficulties, allergic reactions, and sudden illnesses. Training also includes CPR, AED operation, infection control, and childbirth assistance, using simulation technology at Emirates’ Cabin Crew Training Centre in Dubai.