[Satellite Today 10-20-08] Inmarsat unveiled an aircraft telemedicine system that allows doctors on the ground to treat passengers taken ill in flight, the company announced Oct. 20.
    The Tempus IC system, supported by U.K. telemedicine company RDT, is designed to obtain detailed medical data including pulse, blood pressure and heart rhythms and pass on the information via Inmarsat or another suitable link to medical experts. The data allows doctors on the ground to diagnose the patient’s condition and advise the crew on immediate treatment and whether or not a diversion is necessary. Imagery can be streamed over Inmarsat with H.264 video compression technology, while the aircraft’s crew talk to the ground using wired or wireless headsets.
    RDT has more than 100 orders for Tempus IC from two airlines as well as private aircraft operators and other customers.