Emirates Airline has partnered with Parsys Telemedicine to launch new medical equipment that will provide passengers with improved medical care during flights.
The airline has invested over $2.4 million in co-designing the equipment with Parsys, which will be installed on 300 aircraft in the coming years.
The new ‘telemedicine station’ features high-definition video conferencing, remote passenger assessment, secure data transmission, and 12-Leads Telecardia ECG. These technologies enable cabin crew to respond effectively to medical emergencies.
New Emirates-Parsys Telemedicine Kit transforms in-flight medical care
The system includes the Parsys Telemedicine Kit and the Parsys Cloud. The portable kit allows cabin crew to collect vital signs and important information, which can be transmitted to Emirates’ Ground Medical Support team, available 24/7 in Dubai.
The kit contains several medical devices including a pulse oximeter, thermometer, blood pressure monitor, glucometer, and electrocardiogram (ECG).
Vital signs are automatically transmitted via Bluetooth to the Medcapture device, eliminating manual note-taking by crew members.
The Medcapture tablet features customised software aligned with Emirates’ medical procedures. Its intuitive interface allows crew to operate it efficiently, even in challenging conditions.
The tablet enables real-time communication with ground-based doctors, who can visually assess medical concerns remotely when needed.
The Parsys Cloud, connected to the Medcapture device, allows Ground Medical Support to receive in-flight data and communicate with cabin crew, ensuring customer data is handled according to data protection regulations.
The equipment has already been installed on multiple aircraft and has contributed to several successful medical interventions.
During a recent flight to Lyon, an elderly passenger experienced a cardiovascular emergency with dropping oxygen levels. The cabin crew provided oxygen and used the Medcapture device to share vital signs with the Ground Medical Support team.
“The Ground Medical Support team responded immediately via the Parsys Cloud, connecting to the MedCapture device onboard. With real-time communication and expert guidance, the crew effectively managed the situation, ensuring the passenger received the best possible care. The Parsys system enabled faster, more seamless coordination between the crew and medical team, helping to deliver timely and informed inflight medical support,” the airline said in a statement on Wednesday.
Medical training for Emirates’ Cabin Crew
Emirates prioritises medical training for cabin crew. New staff undergo eight weeks of training, including medical response training. The Parsys kit is introduced through e-learning and practical sessions.
Cabin crew are trained to handle emergencies such as fainting, choking, breathing difficulties, allergic reactions, and sudden illnesses. They also learn to manage injuries, infection control, and maintain onboard hygiene.
Life-saving skills including CPR, Automated External Defibrillator use, and childbirth assistance are taught using simulation technology at Emirates Cabin Crew Training Centre in Dubai.
Knowledge and skills are tested annually, with crew required to complete online courses and practical sessions covering CPR, AED use, severe bleeding, and allergy management. Experienced crew participate in flight simulation exercises to ensure readiness for medical incidents.
Psychological training includes gaining consent, showing empathy, maintaining calm, keeping patients informed, and delivering difficult news when necessary.
After incidents, crew members receive mental health support through Emirates’ Employee Assistance Programme, Peer Support service, and Sehaty well-being programme.
Follow us on
