A new clinical trial in the United States aims to enhance the survival rates of cardiac arrest victims by using drones to deliver automated external defibrillators (AEDs). This innovative approach is being tested in Forsyth County, North Carolina, where drones are dispatched alongside traditional emergency services during real 911 calls. The initiative, led by Duke Health and coordinated through the Duke Clinical Research Institute, marks a significant advancement in emergency medical response.
Every year, more than 350,000 people in the U.S. experience cardiac arrest, with survival rates falling below 10%. Most incidents occur at home, often far from essential medical equipment. The research team aims to address this critical gap by reducing the time it takes to deliver AEDs to patients. According to Monique Starks, M.D., the principal investigator and an associate professor at Duke University School of Medicine, “This study represents a major step forward in how we respond to cardiac arrest in the United States.”
The trial, taking place in Clemmons, North Carolina, utilizes drones already integrated into the operations of the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office. When a 911 call is received reporting a cardiac arrest, a drone equipped with an AED is launched immediately. Simultaneously, emergency medical services (EMS) are dispatched to the scene. A 911 dispatcher coordinates the drone’s flight path, enabling it to reach the location autonomously. The drone operates at an altitude of 200 feet, descending to 100 feet to safely lower the AED to the ground. Once on-site, the dispatcher guides bystanders on how to retrieve and use the device.
The potential benefits of this technology are substantial. Previous studies indicate that survival rates can increase to 70% if an AED is applied within 2 to 3 minutes of a cardiac arrest. In contrast, traditional EMS response times typically range from 8 to 10 minutes. Sheriff Bobby Kimbrough Jr. of Forsyth County emphasized the importance of this advancement, stating, “When seconds matter, this technology gives us the ability to reach people in need faster than ever before.”
The research team hopes to reduce AED delivery times to under five minutes for more than half of the residents in the trial area. The study also includes James City County, Virginia, and is supported by the American Heart Association, along with numerous partners, including the University of Washington and Emory University.
Co-principal investigator Joseph Ornato, M.D., a professor of emergency medicine at Virginia Commonwealth University, noted, “This project is laying the groundwork for what we hope will become a large, multi-center randomized clinical trial.” Such future research will provide insights into the effectiveness, costs, and logistics of AED delivery through drones in both urban and rural settings.
The integration of drone technology into emergency response is not only about enhancing efficiency but also about building community trust. James Fore, director of Forsyth County 911 Fire/EMS, expressed optimism about the collaboration: “This groundbreaking drone AED project has the potential to save lives by delivering critical care faster than ever before.”
“Our teams have worked tirelessly to set a new standard in cardiac arrest care by integrating drone delivery of AEDs during 911 calls,”
stated Stephen Powell, M.D., assistant professor of emergency medicine at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. The collaboration aims to save valuable minutes and ultimately lives through meticulous planning and training between telecommunicators and drone pilots.
While drone delivery has often been associated with commercial applications, Basil Yap, vice president of Hovecon, highlighted its transformative potential in healthcare. “This program is about life-saving deliveries of critical medical equipment in the form of AEDs, and we have achieved that only by making rigorous safety and full regulatory compliance the foundation of everything we do.”
Emergency services personnel, such as Betsy Sink, battalion chief at James City County Emergency Medical Services, emphasized that drones can significantly enhance traditional response systems. “They can shorten the most critical moments between collapse and care,” she said.
As the trial progresses, the team anticipates a deeper understanding of drone capabilities in emergency medicine. Sgt. Tiara Suggs of the James City County Police Department expressed enthusiasm for the future, stating, “Drones help us respond smarter and faster. In rural areas especially, where access can be limited, they’re a force multiplier that’s helping us save lives.”
This pioneering study could redefine emergency medical response and significantly improve survival rates for cardiac arrest victims across the United States.
