Virgin Atlantic is to install telemedicine equipment on board all of its aircraft after signing a deal with British hardware company Remote Diagnostic Technologies.
The system, which is designed for small spaces, will use the plane’s satellite telephone to communicate with medical professionals on the ground.
The Tempus system (below), which is designed to be used by people with no medical experience, will be installed on board all the airline’s planes in a contract until 2009.
Steve Ridgway, chief executive of Virgin Atlantic, said: "The safety and welfare of our passengers is of paramount importance. Virgin Atlantic has used the original telemedicine system, MedLink, for many years, but Tempus’ advanced technology significantly increases the airline’s onboard medical provision."
According to Europe Travel News, Tempus will communicate with the MedAire Centre in Phoenix, Arizona, and will sent vital statistics and video to doctors on the ground. The clinicians can then advise the best course of action to the plane crew.
The upgrade from the older system will give greater backup to cabin crew, who already have some basic medical training.
Images sent across from the plane can be annotated by clinicians on the ground to aid communication. Doctors also have the option of remotely controlling the screen, starting and stopping readings. The telemedicine unit can fit in an overhead compartment or underneath an economy class seat.
Graham Murphy, managing director of Remote Diagnostic Technologies, commented: "This announcement, subsequent to the recent launch of Tempus by Emirates Arilines, demonstrates the commitment to passenger health and safety that international airlines are displaying.
"Virgin Atlantic was the first airline to introduce defibrillators across its fleet and, as with defibrillators, RDT anticipates that this technology will soon be adopted as industry standard."