Gulf Air installs lifesaving defibrillators across its fleet

The new portable device will be used for emergency treatment in the event of a passenger suffering sudden cardiac arrest during flight and all Gulf Air cabin crew have been trained to use the machine.  

Mr. Samer Majali, Gulf Air's Chief Executive Officer said:  “Passenger health and safety is top priority for Gulf Air always, more particularly during the flight. The installation of defibrillators on board is one more demonstration of our continuous improvement towards passengers’ health and safety amenities.

“Globally, cardiac arrest is one of the most common medical conditions and it can happen to a person anytime – on the ground or in the air. When it happens in the air, rapid treatment within minutes is crucial to help passengers survive until they are transported to a full medical service on the ground.

“The new defibrillators installed on our fleet are scientifically proven and the most effective intervention measure to deal with such situations. All our cabin crew are fully trained to operate the device in case of an emergency.”

The defibrillators are fitted with innovative and useful features such as voice instructions and visual icons to guide the person through each step of the first-aid process. It analyses the patient’s heart and decides to deliver shocks only when they are needed. It also has a self-test mechanism that keeps the device fully functional at any time and has the capability to transmit data to a nearby PC/Laptop/Palm wirelessly.

The device has been supplied by Philips, a worldwide market leader in portable defibrillators used on airplanes and in airports and workplaces. It has won several prestigious awards for design excellence and technological innovation.