In a groundbreaking initiative, the town of Clemmons, North Carolina has become the first in the United States to deploy drones for delivering automated external defibrillators (AEDs) during actual 911 emergencies. This innovative project, led by Duke Health, aims to reduce cardiac arrest response times significantly by providing essential medical equipment to bystanders before emergency medical services (EMS) arrive at the scene.
Revolutionizing Emergency Response
The program utilizes drones to transport AEDs directly to locations of cardiac arrests, allowing bystanders to administer life-saving treatment more quickly. According to Bobby Kimbrough, Forsyth County Sheriff and a project partner, once a 911 call is made, a drone is launched while the caller remains in contact with the operator. The drone delivers the AED within minutes, giving bystanders crucial assistance until EMS personnel arrive.
“The drone is in flight with the AED attached. Minutes later, the drone appears in the sky—not a bird, not a plane, not Superman—a drone and an AED,” Kimbrough stated in a press briefing. He emphasized that while EMS is en route, the drone provides immediate support, potentially saving vital minutes in emergencies.
Life-Saving Potential
The study estimates that the median time for the drone’s arrival is approximately four minutes, a significant improvement compared to the average EMS response time of 6 to 7 minutes. According to Monique Starks, a cardiologist at Duke Health and the lead on the study, this time reduction is critical in cardiac emergencies, where every second counts.
“Patients need to be shocked within two to five minutes to increase survival rates to between 50% and 70%. Currently, survival rates hover around 10% because we depend heavily on first responders reaching the scene,” Starks explained. She noted that cardiac arrests typically occur in homes, which limits the availability of bystanders trained to use AEDs. The project aims to change this dynamic by increasing AED accessibility and usage.
The ongoing study not only focuses on reducing response times but also tracks the potential increase in the rate of AED use by community members. By empowering bystanders with the tools to intervene quickly, the initiative seeks to enhance survival rates in cardiac arrest situations, particularly in rural areas where EMS response can be slower.
As technology continues to evolve, this project demonstrates that advancements in drone capabilities can play a crucial role in emergency healthcare, potentially transforming how communities respond to life-threatening situations.
