A crew member demonstrates CPR in the aircraft galley.

Emirates has drawn attention to its safety procedures by announcing that it invests more than €6 million in equipment and thousands of hours in the training of crew for first-aid and emergency care.

During 2014, crews and pilots spent a total of 33,430 hours in medical training with the airline, which has a daily link between Malta and its Dubai hub.

All Emirates cabin crew go through a practical and theoretical training programme as well as specific training for the use of onboard medical equipment.

This includes topics such as basic life support (CPR), medical conditions including asthma, heart disorders, seizures and allergic reactions, trauma-related topics and even childbirth.

Pilots also attend training sessions covering topics such as hypoxia, malaria, dengue, trauma, CPR and choking and occupational health issues.

Crew even trained to deliver babies

If a passenger is taken seriously ill, the crew would inform the pilot and consult with MedLink, a US-based, 24/7, satellite medical advisory service that provides a direct connection with specialist aviation medical consultants, who can assess the situation in real time.

“In 2013 and 2014, we diverted more than 100 flights for medical emergencies, costing more than €11 million,” said Adel Al Redha, executive vice president and chief operations officer.

“Aside from the crew on board, a full team on the ground swings into action to rebook passengers who may miss their flight connections, make arrangements for the aircraft to be met by medical services, organise ground refuelling and file a revised flight plan.

“Once the affected passenger has been accompanied off the aircraft for medical attention, the aircraft is usually refuelled and en route to its original destination within one to two hours.”