GENEVA – OnAir and Remote Diagnostic Technologies Ltd (RDT) have successfully tested the next generation inflight telemedicine on commercial aircraft.
For the first time, doctors on the ground can use real-time moving video technology to remotely assist afflicted passengers onboard as well as the crew managing the emergency situation in the air.
Additionally, the equipment streams real-time voice and eight key vital signs including blood oxygen level, breath gas analysis and 12-lead electrocardiogram.
This live contact helps doctors in evaluating the patient’s condition, in arriving at an accurate diagnosis, and in advising on emergency treatment.
An additional benefit is that telemedicine can help to avoid one in 10 emergency landings, each of which can cost an airline anything between €30,000 and €165,000 depending on aircraft type and situation.
Real-time video contact between patient and medical experts on the ground is made possible by the Tempus IC telemedicine system using OnAir connectivity based on SwiftBroadband, high capacity, high-speed satellite service from Inmarsat.
The system was successfully trialled on a bmi flight at the end of February.
RDT CEO Graham Murphy said, “Tempus IC is the world’s first monitor to allow users to transmit a full set of vital signs data, with two-way voice and video communication to provide the diagnostic information that supports fast, informed medical decisions by ground-based experts.
“With OnAir, RDT can provide global coverage.”
