Virgin Atlantic will be installing telemedicine devices on their entire fleet. The devices called Tempus, produced by Remote Diagnostic Technologies, is for use by non-medical personnel to take a patient’s vitals and communicate via satellite with doctors on the ground.
Tempus uses the satellite technology that operates Virgin Atlantic’s onboard telephone system to transmit medical information such as pulse rate and blood pressure readings as well as video images to medical experts at the MedAire Centre in Phoenix, Arizona. The ground-based doctors can then diagnose the problem and advise the crew on the next course of action, enabling crew to use their medical training to assist the passenger.
Steve Ridgway, chief executive of Virgin Atlantic, welcomed the introduction of the technology;
“The safety and welfare of our passenger 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.”
I wonder if on-flight medical exams are a perk for first class flyers or if there will be a bill waiting for them at home from the doctor.
Read more here…
Info from the manufacturer of Tempus…