Advancements in Drone Technology to Accelerate Cardiac Arrest Response

In the United Kingdom, over 40,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCA) occur annually, yet survival rates remain below 10%. Immediate intervention through CPR and the use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) significantly increase the chances of survival, potentially doubling them. However, locating and retrieving AEDs promptly during emergencies can be challenging for bystanders, especially in remote or hard-to-reach areas.

Recognizing these challenges, researchers at the University of Warwick collaborated with the Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust and drone technology company SkyBound to explore the feasibility of using autonomous drones to deliver AEDs directly to emergency scenes. This innovative approach aims to reduce response times and improve outcomes for cardiac arrest patients.

The study involved conducting emergency simulations in rural settings where ambulance access is delayed. Drones equipped with defibrillators were dispatched following simulated 999 calls. According to Dr. Christopher Smith from the University of Warwick, these tests demonstrated that drones could safely fly long distances while maintaining real-time communication with emergency services. The system allows defibrillators to be delivered rapidly to bystanders, enabling immediate assistance even before ambulance arrival.

A key aspect of the study was testing the entire process—from dispatch, drone navigation, to AED delivery. The system utilized DJI M300 drones with automated software control, where AEDs were lowered via a winch at the scene, allowing bystanders to initiate resuscitation while receiving guidance from emergency call handlers. The findings showed that drone deployment from call to takeoff averaged around two minutes, with the drone flying autonomously and safely.

Meanwhile, real-life testimonies highlighted the potential impact. Steve Holt, a survivor of two cardiac arrests, recounted his experience in the Lake District, where delayed ambulance response proved life-threatening. His son, Mark, a participant in the study, emphasized the importance of rapid AED access, especially in remote locations where traditional emergency response can be delayed due to weather or terrain.

While the study showed promising results, it also identified challenges, such as delays in hands-off CPR and AED retrieval once the drone arrived. Participants interacted well with the drone but needed additional support to operate the AED effectively. Future research aims to expand these trials, improving drone responsiveness and user training to enhance emergency outcomes.

Professor Mike Lewis from NIHR stressed the significance of integrating drone technology into emergency medical services, especially given the high mortality associated with cardiac arrests. The potential for such high-tech solutions to save lives is considerable, and ongoing collaborations aim to refine this system for broader NHS deployment.

Dr. Carl Powell of the Welsh Ambulance Service highlighted that every second counts during a cardiac arrest. Quick delivery of AEDs via drones could be a game-changer in improving survival rates, particularly in remote or inaccessible areas. SkyBound’s CEO, Gemma Alcock, added that leveraging drone technology could revolutionize emergency response, inspired by life-critical experiences and the desire to enhance survival chances worldwide.

The research, published in Resuscitation Plus, indicates that drone-delivered AEDs are a promising innovation, potentially transforming pre-hospital care and emergency response protocols. The next steps involve larger-scale studies to validate effectiveness and optimize operational protocols, aiming to embed drone-assisted rescues into routine emergency services.