Abstract
BackgroundDrones are increasingly used in healthcare, and feasibility studies of deployment of Automated External Defibrillators (AED) in Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) have been conducted. Despite the potential contribution of drones to healthcare, regulatory barriers exist, including limits on flights beyond visual line-of-sight (BVLOS). The aim of this project was to deliver an AED BVLOS in Wales.MethodsWe developed of a Concept of Operations (CONOPS) to identify requirements, constraints, organisation and roles and responsibilities associated with deploying a drone to deliver an AED BVLOS. We equipped a Penguin B drone with satellite-enabled technology to enhance situational awareness and safety for the remote pilot. A BVLOS Operating Safety Case and three-week flight test programme was conducted with an AED attached directly to parachute for deployment to simulated OHCA.ResultsWe completed six flights totalling 92km, 1:02.5 hours of flight time and four successful parachute payload drops. We conducted a successful end-to-end flight demonstration of an AED delivered via BVLOS by drone to a simulated OHCA and resuscitation by lay responder’s in a remote location; the final delivery of 4.5km was completed in 2:50 minutes.ConclusionWe have delivered an AED by parachute, from fixed wing drone BVLOS in the UK in simulated OHCA. This project adds to the body of knowledge required for regulatory assurance on drone use BVLOS. Further research is needed before routine use of this technology.
Highlights
The use of drones in healthcare is increasingly being explored through applications such as delivering medicines and vaccines [1], blood [2] and other medical supplies that are urgently needed in inaccessible areas [3, 4]
We developed of a Concept of Operations (CONOPS) to identify requirements, constraints, organisation and roles and responsibilities associated with deploying a drone to deliver an Automated External Defibrillators (AED) beyond visual line-of-sight (BVLOS)
We conducted a successful end-to-end flight demonstration of an AED delivered via BVLOS by drone to a simulated of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) and resuscitation by lay responder’s in a remote location; the final delivery of 4.5km was completed in 2:50 minutes
Summary
The use of drones in healthcare is increasingly being explored through applications such as delivering medicines and vaccines [1], blood [2] and other medical supplies that are urgently needed in inaccessible areas [3, 4]. An emerging use by ambulance services includes the deployment of Automated External Defibrillators (AED’s) by drone in Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). Care recommendations are increasingly emphasizing improvements in Basic Life Support (BLS) training, public education and access to AED’s. These are elements of the Chain of Survival adopted by Save a Life Cymru [11], which represents a series of sequential actions to be taken to improve chances of survival from OHCA. Despite the potential contribution of drones to healthcare, regulatory barriers exist, including limits on flights beyond visual line-of-sight (BVLOS) The aim of this project was to deliver an AED BVLOS in Wales
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