Drones could soon deliver defibrillators in cardiac emergencies

To improve outcomes, the University of Warwick partnered with the Welsh Ambulance Services University NHS Trust and drone company SkyBound. Supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), the study tested drones delivering AEDs directly to patients, especially in remote locations.

Simulated emergencies were staged in rural areas using a DJI M300 drone with a winch system to lower an AED. SkyBound’s autonomous flight software managed navigation, while ambulance service call handlers guided public volunteers performing CPR on a mannequin.

Dr. Christopher Smith, Chief Investigator at Warwick, explained: “Ambulance services work as swiftly as possible to get to patients who have suffered cardiac arrests. However, it can sometimes be difficult to get there quickly. AEDs can be used by members of the public before the ambulance gets there, but this rarely happens. We’ve built a drone system to deliver defibrillators to people having cardiac arrest which could help save lives.”

The system demonstrated safe, long-distance flights, reliable communications with 999 call handlers, and rapid launch times.

The study drew insight from Mark Holt, who helped save his father Steve during a 2019 cardiac arrest in the Lake District. Despite immediate CPR and a nearby AED, paramedics were delayed by 25 minutes due to weather. Holt now advises the research team: “In the future a call handler may be able to explain that help is on the way with a drone which can arrive much quicker.”

The pilot trial included 11 participants. Findings showed:

• Average drone launch time: 2.18 minutes
• Reliable autonomous flight and live communication
• Positive public reception

However, it took an additional 4.35 minutes after AED arrival before a shock was delivered, mostly due to bystanders struggling with device operation. Researchers highlighted the need for improved public training and clearer instructions from call handlers.

Prof. Mike Lewis, NIHR Scientific Director for Innovation, noted: “In an emergency situation, time is of the essence and it’s crucial that bystanders can help before ambulance crews arrive. This innovative study demonstrates how health and care research can deliver high-tech solutions to improve survival.”

Larger-scale studies will now test integration of drone AED delivery into NHS emergency systems, with the goal of saving more lives from cardiac arrest.

MEDICA-tradefair.com; Source: University of Warwick