At Emerald First Aid Training, we believe strongly in embracing innovation that boosts survival when every second counts. Recent trials in the South East of England are exploring just that — using drones to deliver life-saving defibrillators to people suffering cardiac arrest.
The Challenge: Getting Defibrillators on Scene Faster
Survival rates for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest remain stubbornly low, typically under 10 %. One of the biggest hurdles is delay — even though public AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) are often available, reaching the patient in time is another matter.
The idea behind drone delivery is simple yet powerful: bypass traffic, obstacles, or distance, and get the AED to a patient far sooner than traditional means allow.
How the Drone Trials Work
Researchers at the University of Surrey, in collaboration with the Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance Charity and the South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb), have launched a 16-month pilot project to explore how drones might assist in emergency medical care.
The project will:
- Simulate the process of integrating drone delivery into the 999 emergency system (from call handling to dispatch)
- Refine operational procedures in partnership with ambulance services, air traffic control, and drone operators
- Engage with survivors, families, and first responders to gauge perceptions and acceptability of drone usage in real emergencies
Dr Scott Munro, a lecturer in Paramedic Practice and co-lead on the project, emphasises that “this research is the first step towards integrating drone technology into our emergency response systems.”
Meanwhile, Dr Craig Mortimer of SECAmb notes how pivotal rapid intervention is in out-of-hospital cardiac arrests. He adds that incorporating drones could bolster the “chain of survival” by ensuring AEDs reach patients quickly.
Backing & Outcomes
This initiative is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), via its Research for Patient Benefit programme. The goal is that drone delivery might one day become a routine part of how emergency services support communities.
Ultimately, the project hopes to test whether drone-delivered AEDs can reduce time to defibrillation and improve survival outcomes from cardiac arrest.
Why This Matters to Us
As a provider of first aid training, Emerald First Aid Training sees enormous promise in this collaboration between technology and emergency medicine. Faster delivery of AEDs can dramatically increase the chances of success in resuscitation — and better survival outcomes mean more lives saved.
We’ll be watching this trial closely. When new developments emerge, we’ll update our community and incorporate the insights into training, awareness, and advocacy for improved cardiac care.
If you’d like to discuss how you or your organisation can prepare (or upgrade) first aid readiness, or to ensure your staff are confident with AED use, do get in touch.