Drone-Enhanced Emergency Medical Services

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Drone-enhanced Emergency Medical Services (DEMS) involve the use of highly autonomous Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drones to deliver critical medical supplies, such as Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), life-saving medications, and remote diagnostic equipment, directly to emergency situations. This innovative approach is gaining traction globally, as it significantly reduces response times, thereby improving patient outcomes in time-sensitive scenarios like cardiac arrests and other emergencies where every second counts. [1] [2]

Contents

The evolution of drone technology in EMS has been fueled by advancements in unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and the growing recognition of their capabilities in addressing logistical challenges, particularly in remote or underserved areas. Initial trials in the early 2010s laid the groundwork for delivering medical supplies, while subsequent pilot programs have focused on specialized applications, including rapid delivery of emergency medical equipment and live video feeds to support first responders before their arrival at the scene. [3] Despite the promising benefits of drone-enhanced EMS, some challenges remain, including public acceptance, regulatory hurdles, and the technological complexity of integrating these systems into existing emergency response frameworks. As healthcare organizations seek innovative solutions to improve emergency medical responses, addressing these challenges will be crucial. [4]

History

The concept of using drones in emergency medical services (EMS) has evolved significantly over the past decade, driven by advancements in drone technology and the growing recognition of their potential in healthcare. Initially, drones were primarily used for military operations and recreational activities. However, their versatility has led to a broader range of use cases, including EMS. [5]

Early developments

The use of drones for healthcare logistics can be traced back to early trials in the 2010s, which focused on delivering medical supplies to remote areas, aiming to address logistical challenges such as extreme weather, natural disasters, and limited transport infrastructure. These early implementations demonstrated the potential for drones to significantly improve medical delivery efficiency, particularly in emergencies where time is critical. [3]

Expansion into Emergency medicine

As drone technology matured, EMS began to explore more specialized applications. By the mid-2010s, pilot programs were developed to test drones for the delivery of critical medical supplies, such as Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), particularly for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest cases. These programs often involved collaboration between healthcare providers, technology developers, and regulatory agencies to ensure safety and operational compliance. [2]

Future directions

Today, drones are increasingly being integrated into EMS, with applications ranging from rapid assessment of emergency situations to delivering medical supplies like AEDs and medical supplies and remote diagnostic equipment. The potential of drone technology continues to expand as regulatory frameworks evolve, and ongoing research promises further innovations in the field. [6]

Technology

The technology behind drone-enhanced emergency medical services (DEMS) leverages advancements in unmanned aerial systems (UAS), enabling the rapid and autonomous delivery of medical supplies to incident sites before regular units arrive on scene. These drones operate Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS), allowing them to respond faster, cover greater distances, often equipped with advanced navigation systems, sensors, and real-time data transmission capabilities. [7]

Adaptations for medical deliveries

The drones used in DEMS are often modified to meet healthcare-specific requirements. Delivery solutions are designed to carry a flexible payload adaptable to local conditions and needs. These adaptations ensure that sensitive medical materials can be delivered safely and effectively in an emergency. [8]

Operational challenges

Despite their effectiveness, drones face several operational challenges. Factors such as weather conditions, battery life, and payload capacity can limit the performance of drones in emergency medical applications. However, ongoing advancements in drone technology aim to overcome these limitations. Some of these innovations include more efficient batteries, better obstacle detection systems, and improved communication networks that allow for more reliable operation in adverse conditions. [2]

Real-time data transmission

In addition to delivering physical medical supplies, drones used in DEMS are often equipped with high-definition cameras and sensors, providing live video feeds and biometric data to emergency responders. This allows healthcare professionals to assess the situation remotely and guide on-site interventions before physical responders arrive. [9]

Applications

Medical supply deliveries

Drones are being used in the rapid transportation of medical supplies in emergencies. For example, healthcare drones have been adapted to carry critical items such as defibrillators (AEDs), pharmaceuticals, anti bleeding equipment and remote diagnostic equipment which can make a significant difference in emergency response scenarios. [1]

Emergency response and disaster relief

In emergency medical situations, such as out-of-hospital cardiac arrests, drones have been deployed to deliver AEDs quickly to the scene. Studies show that AED-equipped drones can reduce response times compared to traditional ground transportation. This reduction in time is crucial for improving patient outcomes, particularly in cardiac arrest cases where immediate defibrillation can save lives. [3]

Drones have also been used in disaster relief, where they can rapidly deliver medical supplies to hard-to-reach areas following natural disasters or large-scale emergencies. These drones can fly over blocked roads and other obstacles, ensuring that medical help reaches those in need as quickly as possible. [2]

Remote patient monitoring and telemedicine

Drones are also being used to support telemedicine and remote patient monitoring. By transmitting real-time video feeds and biometric data from delivered devices, enables healthcare professionals to assess patients' conditions remotely and provide real-time consultation and diagnosis. This is particularly useful in areas with limited healthcare resources, allowing for more timely interventions and support. [9]

AED-drone trials

Several trials have evaluated the effectiveness of drones delivering AEDs in real-life cardiac arrest situations. A Swedish study in 2020-2023 reported that drones arrived before ambulances in 57% of cases, and AEDs were attached by bystanders in 35% of these cases. These drones achieved a 92% success rate in delivering AEDs within 9 meters of the target. The real-life case study published in the New England Journal of Medicine showed that a drone-delivered AED was successfully used to defibrillate a cardiac arrest patient before emergency medical services arrived. [10]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cardiac arrest</span> Sudden failure of heart beat

Cardiac arrest is when the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating. When the heart stops beating, blood cannot properly circulate around the body and the blood flow to the brain and other organs is decreased. When the brain does not receive enough blood, this can cause a person to lose consciousness and brain cells can start to die due to lack of oxygen. Coma and persistent vegetative state may result from cardiac arrest. Cardiac arrest is also identified by a lack of central pulses and abnormal or absent breathing.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cardiopulmonary resuscitation</span> Emergency procedure after sudden cardiac arrest

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is an emergency procedure consisting of chest compressions often combined with artificial ventilation, or mouth to mouth in an effort to manually preserve intact brain function until further measures are taken to restore spontaneous blood circulation and breathing in a person who is in cardiac arrest. It is recommended for those who are unresponsive with no breathing or abnormal breathing, for example, agonal respirations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Defibrillation</span> Treatment for life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias

Defibrillation is a treatment for life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, specifically ventricular fibrillation (V-Fib) and non-perfusing ventricular tachycardia (V-Tach). A defibrillator delivers a dose of electric current to the heart. Although not fully understood, this process depolarizes a large amount of the heart muscle, ending the arrhythmia. Subsequently, the body's natural pacemaker in the sinoatrial node of the heart is able to re-establish normal sinus rhythm. A heart which is in asystole (flatline) cannot be restarted by a defibrillator; it would be treated only by cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and medication, and then by cardioversion or defibrillation if it converts into a shockable rhythm.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Automated external defibrillator</span> Portable electronic medical device

An automated external defibrillator or automatic electronic defibrillator (AED) is a portable electronic device that automatically diagnoses the life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias of ventricular fibrillation (VF) and pulseless ventricular tachycardia, and is able to treat them through defibrillation, the application of electricity which stops the arrhythmia, allowing the heart to re-establish an effective rhythm.

Basic life support (BLS) is a level of medical care which is used for patients with life-threatening condition of cardiac arrest until they can be given full medical care by advanced life support providers. It can be provided by trained medical personnel, such as emergency medical technicians, qualified bystanders and anybody who is trained for providing BLS and/or ACLS.

The Seattle & King County Emergency Medical Services System is a fire-based two-tier response system providing prehospital basic and advanced life support services.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Laerdal</span> Multinational healthcare technology company

Laerdal is a multinational company that develops products and programs for healthcare providers, voluntary organizations, educational institutions, hospitals, and the military worldwide. Laerdal has over 2,000 employees in 26 countries. The headquarters is located in Stavanger, Norway.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Welsh Ambulance Service</span> NHS trust and ambulance service in Wales

The Welsh Ambulance Services University NHS Trust is the national ambulance service for Wales. It was established on 1 April 1998 and as of December 2018 has 3,400 staff providing ambulance and related services to the 3 million residents of Wales. As of 1 April 2024, the trust was awarded "university" status by the Welsh government, making it the second ambulance trust to achieve university status in the United Kingdom.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Transcutaneous pacing</span> Method of temporary stabilizing an individuals heartbeat

Transcutaneous pacing (TCP), also called external pacing, is a temporary means of pacing a patient's heart during a medical emergency. It should not be confused with defibrillation using a manual or automatic defibrillator, though some newer defibrillators can do both, and pads and an electrical stimulus to the heart are used in transcutaneous pacing and defibrillation. Transcutaneous pacing is accomplished by delivering pulses of electric current through the patient's chest, which stimulates the heart to contract.

The chain of survival refers to a series of actions that, properly executed, reduce the mortality associated with sudden cardiac arrest. Like any chain, the chain of survival is only as strong as its weakest link. The six interdependent links in the chain of survival are early recognition of sudden cardiac arrest and access to emergency medical care, early CPR, early defibrillation, early advanced cardiac life support, and physical and emotional recovery. The first three links in the chain can be performed by lay bystanders, while the second three links are designated to medical professionals. Currently, between 70 and 90% of cardiac arrest patients die before they reach the hospital. However, a cardiac arrest does not have to be lethal if bystanders can take the right steps immediately.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cardiac monitoring</span>

Cardiac monitoring generally refers to continuous or intermittent monitoring of heart activity to assess a patient's condition relative to their cardiac rhythm. Cardiac monitoring is usually carried out using electrocardiography, which is a noninvasive process that records the heart's electrical activity and displays it in an electrocardiogram. It is different from hemodynamic monitoring, which monitors the pressure and flow of blood within the cardiovascular system. The two may be performed simultaneously on critical heart patients. Cardiac monitoring for ambulatory patients is known as ambulatory electrocardiography and uses a small, wearable device, such as a Holter monitor, wireless ambulatory ECG, or an implantable loop recorder. Data from a cardiac monitor can be transmitted to a distant monitoring station in a process known as telemetry or biotelemetry.

A wearable cardioverter defibrillator (WCD) is a non-invasive, external device for patients at risk of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). It allows physicians time to assess their patient's arrhythmic risk and see if their ejection fraction improves before determining the next steps in patient care. It is a leased device. A summary of the device, its technology and indications was published in 2017 and reviewed by the EHRA Scientific Documents Committee.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">New Orleans Emergency Medical Services</span>

New Orleans Emergency Medical Services is the primary provider of advanced life support emergency medical services to the city of New Orleans, Louisiana, United States. Unlike most other emergency medical services in the United States, New Orleans EMS operates as a third service and is not part of the New Orleans Fire Department; rather, New Orleans EMS is operated by the New Orleans Health Department and the New Orleans Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lifepak</span> Series of vital signs monitors and defibrillators

Lifepak is a series of vital signs monitors and external cardiac defibrillators produced by medical technology company Physio-Control.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Delivery drone</span> Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) used to transport packages, food or other goods

A delivery drone is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) designed to transport items such as packages, medicines, foods, postal mails, and other light goods. Large corporations like Amazon, DHL, and FedEx have started to use drone delivery services. Drones were used effectively in the fight against COVID-19, delivering millions of vaccines and medical supplies across the globe. Drone deliveries are highly efficient, significantly speeding up delivery times and avoiding challenges traditional delivery vehicles may encounter. Given their life-saving potential, use cases for medical supplies in particular have become the most widely tested type of drone delivery, with trials and pilot projects in dozens of countries such as Australia, Canada, Botswana, Ghana, Uganda, the UK, the US among others.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dipsalut</span>

Dipsalut is the Independent Public Health Body of Girona Provincial Council and a local public administration. This organisation was officially launched on 31 May 2007. Its headquarters are located in Girona, with offices in the Scientific and Technological Park at the University of Girona.

GoodSAM is a global emergency and volunteer service platform and associated community co-founded by Mark Wilson OBE, Ali Ghorbangholi OBE and Ali Haddad in 2013. It is used by ambulance, police, fire, government, charity and health services to improve immediate emergency management, largely through video enabling Instant-On-Scene video assessment and from the platform's ability to alert trusted responders to provide immediate help. It is also the platform used to deploy nearly 800,000 NHS Volunteers across the UK to support those isolating or suffering with Covid

Every year sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) kills between 35,000 and 45,000 people in Canada and approximately 350,000 people in the United States; 85% of SCAs are caused by ventricular fibrillation (VF). Receiving defibrillation from an automated external defibrillator (AED) is a key component of the 'chain of survival' for victims of SCA. Chances of survival from a SCA decrease by 7–10% every minute that a victim does not receive defibrillation. Attempts at reducing time until defibrillation have largely focused on improving traditional emergency medical service (EMS) responders and implementing publicly available defibrillator (PAD) programs. In the United States approximately 60% of SCAs are treated by EMS. Equipping police vehicles with AEDs and incorporating them in the emergency dispatching process when a SCA is suspected, can reduce the time until defibrillation for a victim suffering an out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrest. There are numerous studies which confirm a strong coloration between equipping police vehicles with AEDs and reduced time until defibrillation which ultimately translates into improved survival rates from SCA. As a result of these demonstrable statistics, police departments across North America have begun equipping some or all of their police vehicles with AEDs.

The Medical Tactical Certificate Training Program, also known as Med Tac, is a global bystander rescue care training program that focuses on life-saving actions that can be performed by non-medical bystanders for the eight leading preventable causes of death to children, youth, and adults. In urban areas in the United States, professional first responders arrive at the scene of an emergency after approximately 10 minutes. Immediate rescue care by bystanders is most effective within three minutes of an event. Treatment within this time has been found to have a significant effect on rates of survival and permanent harm. Created and expanded upon after the dramatic increase in active shooter and terrorism events, Med Tac integrates the American Heart Association Heartsaver CPR/AED Training Program, or the American Red Cross equivalent training, and the Stop the Bleed Program sponsored by the United States Department of Homeland Security and American College of Surgeons.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Avive</span>

Avive is an automated external defibrillator manufacturer based in Brisbane, California. It is known for developing Avive AED and 4 Minute City program.

References

  1. 1 2 Johnson, A. M.; Cunningham, C. J.; Arnold, E.; Rosamond, W. D.; Zègre-Hemsey, J. K. (2021). "Impact of Using Drones in Emergency Medicine: What Does the Research Say?". Open Access Emergency Medicine. 13: 487–498. doi: 10.2147/OAEM.S247020 . PMC   8605877 . PMID   34815722.
  2. 1 2 3 4 "Help from Above: UAVs in Emergency Medical Services". AirMed & Rescue. 2021.
  3. 1 2 3 Rees, N.; Howitt, J.; Breyley, N.; Geoghegan, P.; Powel, C. (2021). "A Simulation Study of Drone Delivery of Automated External Defibrillators". PLOS ONE. 16 (11): e0259555. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0259555 . PMC   8592459 . PMID   34780477.
  4. ↑ "Future of Healthcare and Patient Care with Drones". 2023.
  5. ↑ Johnson, A. M.; Cunningham, C. J.; Arnold, E.; Rosamond, W. D.; Zègre-Hemsey, J. K. (2021). "Impact of Using Drones in Emergency Medicine". Open Access Emergency Medicine. 13: 487–498. doi: 10.2147/OAEM.S247020 . PMC   8605877 . PMID   34815722.
  6. ↑ "Drones: The New First Responder Tool". 2023.
  7. ↑ Marfo, J. S.; Kyeremeh, K.; Asamoah, P.; Owusu-Bio, M. K.; Marfo AFA (2022). "Exploring Factors Affecting the Adoption of Drones in Healthcare". PLOS Digital Health. 2 (11): e0000266. doi: 10.1371/journal.pdig.0000266 . PMC   10629621 . PMID   37934723.
  8. ↑ "How the DJI M300 is Being Used to Deliver Medical Supplies". 2023.
  9. 1 2 Marfo, J. S.; Kyeremeh, K.; Asamoah, P.; Owusu-Bio, M. K.; Marfo AFA (2022). "Exploring Factors Affecting the Adoption and Continuance Usage of Drones in Healthcare". PLOS Digital Health. 2 (11): e0000266. doi: 10.1371/journal.pdig.0000266 . PMC   10629621 . PMID   37934723.
  10. ↑ Schierbeck, Sofia; Svensson, Leif; Claesson, Andreas (2022). "Use of a Drone-Delivered Automated External Defibrillator in an Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest". New England Journal of Medicine. 386 (20): 1953–1954. doi:10.1056/NEJMc2200833.
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