Parsys Telemedicine has joined forces with Emirates to introduce a groundbreaking in-flight telemedicine solution. This collaboration has led to the development of an advanced telemedicine station, providing real-time medical assistance to passengers and ensuring safer, more efficient healthcare at 35,000 feet.
As part of this initiative, Emirates has invested over USD 2.4 million to design a state-of-the-art medical equipment set, which will be deployed across 300 aircraft in the coming years. The innovative telemedicine station features high-definition video conferencing, remote passenger assessment, secure data transmission, and a 12-Lead Telecardia ECG. These capabilities enable Emirates’ highly trained cabin crew to manage medical emergencies more effectively, potentially saving lives in critical situations.
Emirates has consistently prioritized high-quality medical equipment, but this new collaboration with Parsys marks a significant advancement in inflight healthcare. After a yearlong partnership, the result is a customized inflight medical tool that enhances efficiency, reliability, and connectivity, ensuring a higher standard of care for passengers.
Cutting-Edge Telemedicine Technology
The new system consists of the Parsys Telemedicine Kit for Emirates and the Parsys Cloud. The portable telemedicine station allows cabin crew to collect vital signs and critical health information, which is then transmitted to Emirates’ Ground Medical Support—a dedicated team of medical professionals based at Emirates Group Headquarters in Dubai, available 24/7. The kit includes medical devices such as a pulse oximeter, thermometer, blood pressure monitor, glucometer, and electrocardiogram (ECG).
Passengers requiring medical support can now have their vital signs transmitted automatically via Bluetooth to the Medcapture© device, eliminating the need for manual note-taking by cabin crew. The Medcapture© device, a tablet integrated with a custom-built software application, aligns with Emirates’ comprehensive medical protocols. Its intuitive interface ensures ease of use, even under challenging inflight conditions. This technology enables real-time communication with Ground Medical Support, allowing for immediate expert medical guidance. The tablet also allows remote medical teams to visually assess injuries or health concerns when needed.
The Parsys Cloud, a secure cloud-based platform, facilitates seamless data transmission between the aircraft and Ground Medical Support, ensuring real-time access to passenger health information while maintaining strict compliance with data protection regulations.
Enhancing Passenger Safety with Real-Life Applications
The Emirates-Parsys telemedicine system has already been successfully deployed on multiple aircraft and has played a crucial role in medical interventions. During a recent flight to Lyon, France, an elderly passenger suffered a cardiovascular emergency, resulting in a significant drop in oxygen levels and other vital signs. Emirates’ trained cabin crew quickly administered oxygen and utilized the Medcapture© device to transmit her health data to the Ground Medical Support team.
Using the Parsys Cloud, medical professionals on the ground provided immediate guidance to the crew, ensuring the passenger received timely and informed medical attention. The system’s seamless coordination between cabin crew and medical teams significantly improved the efficiency and effectiveness of the response.
Comprehensive Medical Training for Emirates Cabin Crew
Medical preparedness is a top priority at Emirates, with cabin crew undergoing extensive training to handle inflight medical emergencies. New recruits complete an eight-week ‘ab-initio’ training program covering security, service, safety, emergency procedures, and critical medical response training. Through a blend of practical, classroom, and online learning, crew members gain essential life-saving skills.
The Parsys telemedicine kit is integrated into the crew training program through a combination of e-learning and hands-on sessions. Emirates cabin crew are equipped to manage a wide range of medical emergencies, including fainting, choking, breathing difficulties, allergic reactions, and sudden illnesses. They also receive training in infection control, injury management, and onboard hygiene.
Also Read: AirMed International Expands Global Presence with New Office in Dubai Healthcare City.
Advanced simulation technology is used to teach life-saving techniques such as CPR, Automated External Defibrillator (AED) operation, and even childbirth assistance. Certified aviation first aid instructors lead this training at the Emirates Cabin Crew Training Centre in Dubai.
Annual recurrent training ensures that cabin crew maintain their medical skills. Crew members must complete a 1.5-hour online course and a two-hour practical session covering CPR, AED use, severe bleeding, and allergy management, along with annual flight simulation exercises to test their response to medical incidents.
Psychological Preparedness and Mental Well-Being
Beyond medical skills, Emirates places emphasis on psychological preparedness. Cabin crew are trained in gaining passenger consent for medical assistance, demonstrating empathy, maintaining calm under pressure, and effectively communicating with affected passengers and their families. They are also trained in delivering difficult news when necessary.
To support crew members after a medical incident, Emirates offers various mental health resources, including the Employee Assistance Programme, Peer Support services, and Sehaty, an employee well-being initiative.
A New Era of In-Flight Healthcare
The partnership between Parsys Telemedicine and Emirates marks a significant step forward in inflight medical care. With cutting-edge telemedicine technology, extensive crew training, and real-time medical support, Emirates continues to set new standards in passenger health and safety. This innovation ensures that travelers receive world-class medical attention, no matter where they are in the world.
