A new project will test how drones could be integrated into the UK’s 999 emergency response system to rapidly deliver defibrillators to patients experiencing out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA).

The project has been jointly launched by the University of Surrey, Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex and SECAmb, with funding from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).

In the first of two sections of the project, researchers will develop and refine the drone delivery process through a series of simulations, coordinating 999 call taking, Air Traffic Control, ambulance dispatch and drone operators.
 

In part 2, interviews will be conducted, for example with OHCA survivors, family members, responders and members of the public, to understand the public’s perception of drone technology, including any barriers or concerns, and to ensure ease of use for responders.

Survival rates for OHCA in the UK are currently less than 10 per cent and delays in delivering life-saving defibrillation are a key challenge.

While public Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are widely available, getting them to a patient in time can be difficult.

Dr Scott Munro, Lecturer in Paramedic Practice at the University of Surrey and co-lead on the project, said: “This research is the first step towards integrating drone technology into our emergency response systems. Our ultimate goal is to develop and test the procedures needed to seamlessly introduce drone delivery of AEDs into the 999-emergency system.”

Professor Kevin Munro, Director of the NIHR Research for Patient Benefit (RfPB) Programme said: "This project is a great example of how NIHR’s RfPB programme supports life-saving innovation. Using drones to deliver defibrillators could help emergency teams reach patients faster, improve survival after cardiac arrest, and bring cutting-edge technology directly to the NHS frontline, while working with the public to ensure it’s used safely and effectively."