China Eastern moves to improve medical response ability

China Eastern Airlines inked a strategic cooperation agreement with the Shanghai Volunteer Physician League (SVPL) on Tuesday in Shanghai.

The deal entails exploring collaboration opportunities in cabin medical aid, in-flight medical voluntary team development and maintenance, and in-flight medical emergency service communications, according to the Shanghai-based airline.

China Eastern crew members have over the past few years been undergoing a program where they learn how to handle sick passengers. This program has resulted in its medical expert team being expanded from some 120 members to the current 844.

Technology has also played a part in bolstering its medical response capabilities. Up to 100 China Eastern planes have been equipped with in-flight Wi-Fi, allowing the crew to communicate with doctors on the ground in the event of an emergency.

China Eastern and SVPL said they would also explore ways to further deepen their cooperation, broaden the scope of collaboration, develop new modes for emergency aid, and allocate more resources to the health and safety of air travelers.