A revolutionary clinical trial is underway in Forsyth County, North Carolina, where drones are being deployed to deliver automated external defibrillators (AEDs) during actual 911 calls. This initiative, led by Duke Health in collaboration with various public safety agencies and community partners, aims to shorten the critical response time for cardiac arrest situations, potentially saving thousands of lives.
Cardiac arrest affects over 350,000 people in the United States each year, with survival rates hovering below 10% due to delays in accessing lifesaving equipment. Most incidents occur in residential settings, far away from emergency services. According to previous studies, the chances of survival increase to 70% if an AED is deployed within 2 to 3 minutes of cardiac arrest. Unfortunately, traditional emergency medical services (EMS) often take between 8 to 10 minutes to arrive on the scene.
Innovative Approach to Emergency Care
In this new trial, which is taking place in Clemmons, North Carolina, the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office is integrating drone technology into its existing operations. When a 911 call is made for a cardiac arrest, a drone carrying an AED is dispatched immediately alongside EMS. The system is coordinated by a 911 dispatcher who collaborates with a drone pilot to launch the drone. The drone flies autonomously to the location, descending to deliver the AED safely to the ground, while the dispatcher instructs bystanders on how to use the device.
“This study represents a major step forward in how we respond to cardiac arrest in the United States,” said Monique Starks, M.D., principal investigator and associate professor at Duke University School of Medicine. “By integrating drone technology into emergency care, we’re working to close the critical gap between cardiac arrest and treatment.”
The research team is targeting a delivery time of under five minutes for AEDs to more than half the population in the study area. The trial is also extending into James City County, Virginia, further broadening the project’s impact.
Community and Expert Insights
Support for this initiative comes from the American Heart Association and involves multiple partners, including Emory University, Virginia Commonwealth University, and the University of Toronto. “This project is laying the groundwork for what we hope will become a large, multi-center randomized clinical trial,” stated Joseph Ornato, M.D., co-principal investigator and professor of emergency medicine at Virginia Commonwealth University. This future research aims to explore critical questions regarding the effectiveness and cost of drone deliveries and their potential to reach diverse communities.
“This groundbreaking drone AED project has the potential to save lives by delivering critical care faster than ever before,” noted James Fore, director of Forsyth County 911 Fire/EMS. He emphasized that integrating this technology into their emergency response system enhances their ability to serve the community efficiently.
The collaboration has been described as a significant advancement in emergency response. Stephen Powell, M.D., an assistant professor of emergency medicine at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, highlighted the importance of the teamwork involved: “This collaboration between telecommunicators and drone pilots—built through extensive planning and drills—aims to save precious minutes and, ultimately, lives.”
Drones are increasingly becoming vital tools in public safety efforts. “While much of the excitement around drone delivery has centered on faster packages, this program is about life-saving deliveries of critical medical equipment,” remarked Basil Yap, vice president of Hovecon Consulting. He noted that rigorous safety and regulatory compliance are foundational to the project.
As the trial progresses, the insights gained could redefine emergency medical responses, particularly in rural areas where access to traditional services can be limited. “Drones can meaningfully shorten the most critical moments between collapse and care,” said Betsy Sink, a battalion chief at James City County Emergency Medical Services. “This project allows us to better understand how far this innovation can go in improving survival and will shape the future of emergency medicine.”
The potential of drones to enhance public safety is significant, according to Sgt. Tiara Suggs, specialized response team commander with the James City County Police Department. “Whether it’s delivering AEDs, locating missing persons, or getting eyes on a scene faster than we ever could before, drones help us respond smarter and faster,” she stated.
As this pioneering study unfolds, the integration of drone technology into emergency medical services could prove to be a crucial advancement in saving lives across communities.
