Emirates is upgrading its inflight medical services by introducing state-of-the-art telemedicine equipment, developed in collaboration with Parsys Telemedicine. With an investment of over $2.4 million, the airline has co-designed a new system that will be deployed on 300 aircraft in the coming years. This new technology enhances medical support onboard, enabling real-time assessments and communication between cabin crew and ground-based medical professionals.
The newly developed equipment features high-definition video conferencing, remote passenger monitoring, and secure data transmission. A key component is the 12-Leads Telecardia ECG, which allows Emirates’ highly trained cabin crew to respond effectively to medical emergencies during flights. The telemedicine system consists of the Parsys Telemedicine Kit and the Parsys Cloud, designed to provide seamless coordination between onboard staff and Emirates’ Ground Medical Support team in Dubai.
Advance Inflight Medical Care System
Cabin crew can collect vital health data using devices such as a pulse oximeter, thermometer, blood pressure monitor, glucometer, and electrocardiogram (ECG). These readings are automatically sent to the Medcapture© device via Bluetooth, eliminating the need for manual documentation. The Medcapture© device, a tablet customized for Emirates’ medical procedures, facilitates real-time communication with ground-based doctors, ensuring timely medical advice and support. The system allows doctors to assess passengers remotely, sometimes through video, for a more accurate diagnosis.
The Parsys Cloud serves as a secure, cloud-based platform that enables Emirates’ Ground Medical Support to receive and analyze inflight medical data. This ensures that passengers receive proper medical attention while maintaining compliance with data protection regulations.
Enhancing Passenger Safety and Cabin Crew Training
The airline has already equipped multiple aircraft with the new telemedicine system, successfully assisting passengers in medical emergencies. In one recent case, a passenger on a flight to Lyon, France, experienced a severe drop in oxygen levels. The cabin crew used the Parsys MedCapture© device to transmit the passenger’s vital signs to the Ground Medical Support team. The medical professionals provided immediate guidance through the Parsys Cloud, enabling the crew to stabilize the passenger efficiently.
The airline places a strong emphasis on cabin crew training to handle inflight medical situations. New crew members undergo an extensive eight-week training program covering safety, emergency response, and medical procedures. The program includes both theoretical and hands-on training, preparing crew members to handle medical incidents effectively. Emirates also integrates the new telemedicine system into its training curriculum through a combination of e-learning and practical exercises.
Cabin crew members receive specialized instruction on managing medical emergencies such as fainting, choking, allergic reactions, and respiratory issues. They are trained to handle injuries, infections, and onboard hygiene protocols. Life-saving techniques, including CPR, Automated External Defibrillator (AED) usage, and childbirth assistance, are also part of the training. These skills are reinforced annually through refresher courses and flight simulation exercises to ensure crew members remain well-prepared for real-world scenarios.
Beyond technical skills, Emirates trains its crew to approach medical emergencies with empathy and professionalism. Crew members learn how to communicate with passengers in distress, provide reassurance, and relay medical information effectively. They also receive guidance on delivering sensitive news and handling post-incident emotional support for both passengers and fellow crew members. Emirates offers ongoing mental health support through programs such as the Employee Assistance Program and Peer Support service.
With the rollout of the new telemedicine system, Emirates is reinforcing its commitment to passenger safety and inflight medical care. The integration of advanced technology ensures that passengers receive the best possible medical support while onboard. Through continued investment in training and medical innovation, the airline is improving its ability to handle emergencies efficiently, making air travel safer for all.
