Équiper un établissement de santé est toujours un challenge. Mais intervenir à bord de bateaux de croisière aux quatre coins du monde revêt une tout autre dimension. Depuis plusieurs années, BiomaiX assure l’installation et la maintenance des équipements biomédicaux sur l’ensemble de la flotte de la compagnie Ponant.
BiomaiX met son expertise au service d’un environnement d’exception, où la fiabilité des dispositifs médicaux est un enjeu majeur pour la sécurité des passagers et des équipages. Comment la mission se déroule-t-elle ? Une étude de cas présentée avec les précisions du Dr Anne-Marie Carpentier, directrice médicale de la compagnie Ponant.
Key Takeaways
- A turnkey service: comprehensive biomedical engineering services provided by BiomaiX for cruise ships, from equipment installation to potential repairs.
- Over 600 medical devices monitored: rigorous tracking to ensure equipment availability and continuity of care anywhere in the world.
- Proven expertise: international maintenance, regulatory compliance, and hardware management using the MedReport software designed by BiomaiX.
BiomaiX Biomedical Engineering Expertise: Designing a True Onboard Hospital
Comprehensive Service, From Equipment Supply to Maintenance
Ponant ships feature medical centers capable of handling numerous emergency situations. To achieve this, BiomaiX supplied and installed all essential medical devices. This mission covers all vessels in the fleet, including Le Commandant Charcot, the first hybrid polar exploration ship.
BiomaiX also handles equipment tracking, maintenance, and provides the MedReport management software." states Dr. Anne-Marie Carpentier, Medical Director for Ponant.
Initial Compliance Phase
BiomaiX is fully versed in current regulations. Even before installing equipment, BiomaiX teams helped the Ponant company define its needs while ensuring regulatory compliance. This preparatory phase identified the mandatory onboard devices, optimizing hardware selection and layout.
For example, we need at least two medical beds on board, as well as a mortuary." - Dr. Anne-Marie Carpentier
Medical Equipment Adapted to Maritime Environmental Constraints
The medical needs of a cruise ship are similar to those of a standard urban hospital. The difference lies in the constraints regarding space, mobility, and navigation.
BiomaiX selected high-performance devices adapted to this specific environment:
- Medical beds;
- Stretchers;
- Patient monitoring systems;
- Oxygen therapy equipment;
- Mobile X-Ray machines;
- Ultrasound devices;
- POC laboratory analyzers.
How Are Equipment Maintenance and Tracking Organized?
Ensuring Continuity of Care Through Biomedical Maintenance
Installation is only the first step: BiomaiX manages the maintenance of the biomedical fleet. In total, over 600 medical devices are monitored across the various ships.
This includes two types of interventions:
- Preventive maintenance, scheduled annually to meet regulatory obligations and limit the risk of breakdowns;
- Corrective maintenance, triggered when equipment requires a repair or technical intervention.
Depending on the situation, simple phone support may be sufficient. In other cases, BiomaiX dispatches a technician or ships replacement hardware. The goal remains the same: ensuring the continuity and quality of care on board.
A Digital Equipment Tracking Tool
The Ponant company can also rely on MedReport, the CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System) solution developed by BiomaiX. Dr. Carpentier’s teams now have real-time tracking of all equipment and its status: the result of close collaboration to build a shared platform for all ships.
Because the software is fully customizable, BiomaiX can add features based on client needs.
“I requested a 'degraded' mode in addition to the 'operational' and 'out of order' statuses for maximum visibility over all hardware, as well as items that were not in the initial version of the software.” - Dr Anne-Marie Carpentier
BiomaiX Biomedical Engineering Support: Key Strengths That Make the Difference
A Single Point of Contact and Regular Meetings
Being able to work confidently with a single point of contact is an added value highlighted by Dr. Anne-Marie Carpentier. However, it was primarily a necessity: the cost and health stakes are too high to leave such a service to chance. The Ponant company can rely on the reliability of BiomaiX teams, and on regular meetings that offer maximum transparency.
My department and BiomaiX meet once a month to review ongoing or upcoming interventions” - Dr Anne-Marie Carpentier
Expertise and Responsiveness Worldwide
Customs tariffs or restrictions in certain countries: maintaining onboard medical equipment imposes unique logistical constraints. Thanks to its logistical expertise and its mastery in transporting sensitive materials like batteries, BiomaiX can provide solutions adapted to any situation. And it does so regardless of the location.
Recognized Expertise in Biomedical Engineering
For nearly 30 years, BiomaiX has supported companies and organizations operating in demanding environments: the maritime sector, of course, but also deserts, polar regions, and forest areas.
This collaboration with the Ponant company illustrates the ability of BiomaiX teams to design, install, and maintain cutting-edge medical equipment. All while adapting to the most delicate operational constraints.
“BiomaiX knows its business well, and the company's expertise has saved us time” - Dr Anne-Marie Carpentier