Etihad's move to help sick passengers on long haul flights

Thursday, 25 February 2010 1:31 PM

HEALTH BOOST: Etihad is introducing new technology on long haul flights to better deal with passengers who show signs of sickness. (Getty Images)

Etihad Airways said on Thursday it will install new state-of-the-art technology on its long and ultra long haul aircraft which can monitor the condition of passengers who display signs of sickness.

The “Tempus IC” system will allow cabin crew to gather vital information about a passenger’s health quickly and efficiently. The data covers a wide range of the passenger’s ‘vital signs’ including blood pressure and an electrocardiogram. It also allows the crew to take photo imagery, the airline said in a statement.

That information is then transmitted to a medical team of global experts specialised in assistance in in-flight medical contingencies. Following their advice the crew will take a decision about what to do next for the passenger and the flight.

Captain Richard Hill, Etihad Airways’ chief operations officer, said: “Passenger welfare and safety is of the utmost importance to Etihad Airways and the introduction of the Tempus IC system will ensure that when medical emergencies do occur they are evaluated quickly.

“This helps ensure that the passenger can receive the appropriate treatment when the aircraft lands, whether this is as a diversion or at its final destination.”

Etihad will introduce the Tempus IC technology on its A340 and Boeing 777 aircraft and then subsequently across the remaining long and ultra long haul fleet.

Join the Discussion

Disclaimer:The view expressed here by our readers are not necessarily shared by Arabian Business, its employees, sponsors or its advertisers.

Please post responsibly. Commenter Rules

Posted by: patricia Ann Hennessy Tuesday, 2 March 2010 12:20 AM[UAE] - UAE

I think this is very good thing for Ettihad it is a pity they didn't have this approx 3 years ago. My sister fell on their ramp in Sheikh Zayed road when checking in. She was given NO first aid other than a wet compress sh and her Husband were assured by the checking staff somebody would meet them at Abu Dhabi with a wheelchair and look at it before she boarded the plain. There was nobody there to meet them my brotherin law had to look around for someone to get a wheelchair and assist them which took about 20-30 mins my sister was in agony. they then put her on the flight in the Exit seat on a 7.5 hour flight to London where they were met by her Son who took her straight to Hospital in Oxford. the hospital confirmed the leg was broken.My family have since boycotted Ettihad flights she did not even receive an apology or an acknowledgement. So maybe this won't happen in the future.

Reply to this comment.

Posted by: Jenny Monday, 1 March 2010 9:32 AM[UAE] - UAE

Yes that?s true, Emirates Airlines are well trained and so are Etihad, the crew have the same high standards to maintain and examined to European Resuscitation Council. And all operating crew will be tested annually as per UAE (GCAA) goverment regulations.

Reply to this comment.

Posted by: adsensemoney Sunday, 28 February 2010 1:22 AM[UAE]

that's a very helpful system, so the passengers will be more satisfied

Reply to this comment.

Posted by: GIDXB Friday, 26 February 2010 2:14 PM[UAE] - USE

And so what ?? Yes it is a helpful system but Emirates has had the Tempus IC system on their flights for years now. They offer frequent recurrent raining on it for all Leaders onboard and they also offer update training to any new version of the system to ALL leaders onboard (a new version came out recently). In addition, Emirates has its Medical training for crew and non crew staff accredited by the American Heart Association and hence it is a tough training with tough tests that Emirates crew is retrained and retested on once a year .... Isnt all the above news-worthy ??

Reply to this comment.

Log in Not registered? Register now!

Retrieve password form

Services:

Related:

Stories

Companies

Also in Travel & Hospitality

Also in UAE

Join the Discussion

Further reading

Features & Analysis

Most Popular

Most Discussed