France study finds drone-delivered defibrillators could cut cardiac arrest response times
A French simulation study presented in Paris found that adding drone delivery to fixed AED networks around Paris could cut defibrillator delivery times by an average of 3.76 minutes and reach 95% of cardiac arrest patients within five minutes, though researchers say more publicly accessible AEDs remain essential.
The simulations showed that drone delivery could cut AED delivery times by an average of 3.76 minutes. Under the modeled system, 95% of cardiac arrest patients could be reached within five minutes, compared with the current 30% to 40% figure when the devices are transported on foot or by road.
The researchers emphasized that providing more AEDs should also be a priority, not just using drones to deliver them. They said placing more AEDs in publicly accessible locations, rather than in private spaces, would help as well. Together, they estimated, these measures could increase the five-minute coverage rate to 99.4%.
"Drones will never replace bystanders, resuscitation efforts or emergency medical teams," Minka said, according to the report. "However, they could represent an additional link in the chain of survival and help make defibrillation available more quickly."
The study also showed the importance of AED geographical distribution. Better placement reduces the need for additional units, the researchers found, given that the drone range is around 3,900 meters.
The next step is to set up real-world trials, the researchers said. The new study was based on simulations and modeling, and no actual drones were flown. As a result, it does not take into account day-to-day variables such as weather conditions. Defibrillators are already delivered by drone in some parts of Sweden, and TechRadar reported that it may not be too long before other countries follow its lead.