Emirates partners with Parsys Telemedicine

To enhance in-flight medical support

Dubai-based carrier Emirates has partnered with Parsys Telemedicine, a company based in Vincennes, France, to roll out next-generation equipment to provide the airline’s passengers with high-quality, rapid medical care while in flight.

The ‘telemedicine station’ features advanced tools such as high-definition video conferencing, remote passenger assessments, secure data transmission, and a 12-lead Telecardia ECG, enabling Emirates’ cabin crew to provide life-saving medical assistance during emergencies in flight mode.

Although Emirates has a history of investing in top-tier medical equipment, the new Parsys system represents the culmination of a year-long collaboration to create a bespoke inflight medical solution that is faster, more reliable, and safer for customers.

The newly introduced Parsys Telemedicine Kit is a state-of-the-art portable telemedicine station that equips Emirates cabin crew with the necessary tools to gather vital signs and medical data. This information is transmitted securely to Emirates’ Ground Medical Support, a team of specialists based at the airline’s headquarters in Dubai, who are available 24/7.

The kit includes a pulse oximeter, thermometer, blood pressure monitor, glucometer, and electrocardiogram (ECG), enabling cabin crew to assess passengers’ health immediately.

One of the system’s key innovations is the Medcapture device. This tablet automatically transmits vital signs and readings to a ground-based medical team via Bluetooth, eliminating manual note-taking. This ensures quicker and more accurate transmission of medical data. The Medcapture device also allows cabin crew to communicate with medical professionals on the ground in real-time, facilitating immediate and expert advice in inflight medical situations.

The Medcapture device is connected to the Parsys Cloud, a secure cloud-based platform that ensures the safe transmission of customer data in line with data protection regulations. Through this system, cabin crew can connect with medical professionals on the ground who can remotely assess passenger conditions, even using visual tools to evaluate injuries or other medical concerns.

This innovative system is already proving its worth. During a recent flight to Lyon, France, an elderly passenger on board an Emirates flight experienced a cardiovascular emergency that led to a significant drop in her oxygen levels.

Using the Parsys Medcapture device, Emirates’ cabin crew transmitted the passenger’s vital signs to a ground medical support team. The team responded immediately, offering expert guidance via the Parsys Cloud, which enabled the cabin crew to provide optimal care and manage the situation effectively.

Ensuring that Emirates’ cabin crew are fully prepared to handle medical emergencies is a priority. Recruits undergo an intense 8-week ‘ab initio’ training programme, including medical response training. Crew members are taught to handle various inflight medical scenarios, from fainting and allergic reactions to breathing difficulties and childbirth assistance.

Cabin crew also participate in recurrent training each year, which includes CPR, AED, severe bleeding, and severe allergy management. Regular assessments ensure that crew members’ knowledge and skills remain sharp, and flight simulation exercises are conducted annually to test their preparedness in real-life scenarios.

In addition to medical training, crew members are taught psychological techniques to remain calm and compassionate when dealing with distressed passengers. Training also includes strategies for gaining consent to assist, providing emotional support, and handling difficult conversations, such as delivering bad news. Emirates also offers mental health support for cabin crew after challenging incidents through its Employee Assistance Programme, Peer Support service, and Sehaty Wellbeing Programme.

With the introduction of Parsys’ telemedicine equipment, Emirates is further cementing its commitment to the safety and well-being of its passengers.

Image: The Parsys Telemedicine Kit features advanced tools such as high-definition video conferencing, remote passenger assessments, secure data transmission, and a 12-lead Telecardia ECG. Credit: Emirates