Duke University researchers have launched a clinical trial in Forsyth County, North Carolina, deploying drones to deliver automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to cardiac arrest patients, marking a first for the United States. The study aims to reduce critical response times that can mean the difference between life and death.
How Drone AED Delivery Works
When a 911 call reports cardiac arrest in Clemmons, North Carolina, a drone carrying an AED launches immediately alongside traditional emergency medical services (EMS) deployment. The 911 dispatcher coordinates with a drone pilot to navigate the unmanned aircraft directly to the cardiac arrest location.
“The drone flies as the crow flies – straight — no traffic patterns, none of those things,” said Forsyth County Sheriff Bobby Kimbrough. The drones operate at speeds of 40 miles per hour and faster, unimpeded by ground traffic.
Technical Performance and Response Times
Duke Health Cardiologist Dr. Monique Starks explained that strategic drone positioning has reduced response times from an average of 6 to 7 minutes to less than 4 minutes. The study measures whether drones can consistently arrive before first responders or EMS, with researchers estimating a median delivery time of approximately four minutes.
“We know in the United States that if a patient can be shocked within two to five minutes, we could see survival of 50 to 70%, but we see survival of 10%,” Starks stated, highlighting the time-sensitive nature of cardiac arrest treatment.
Study Objectives
The research measures the drone’s ability to arrive prior to ground-based responders and aims to increase AED application rates from the current 1-4% to more than 30%. Currently, cardiac arrest largely occurs in homes where bystander AED use remains minimal.
“The real focus is on the bystander in equipping them to use this device when it arrives by drone,” Starks said. EMS continues responding to all calls, with drones providing an additional layer of emergency healthcare delivery rather than replacing traditional response systems.
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Ian McNabb is a journalist focusing on drone technology and lifestyle content at Dronelife. He is based between Boston and NH and, when not writing, enjoys hiking and Boston area sports.
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