Study models drone networks that could speed defibrillator access after cardiac arrests
Researchers analysing nearly 28,350 cardiac arrests in the Greater Paris area found that existing automated external defibrillators often could not be reached quickly. Their models suggest drone bases could improve coverage with fewer additional devices, although the study has not been peer-reviewed and real-world costs and deployment remain unresolved.
Drones could reduce the time needed to deliver defibrillators to people suffering cardiac arrests outside hospital, according to research to be presented at the European Emergency Medicine Congress in Paris. The study has not yet been peer-reviewed. The researchers analysed 28,349 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests recorded between 2011 and 2024 in administrative areas of Greater Paris, excluding central Paris.
They compared the cases with the locations of 1,893 fixed automated external defibrillators, or AEDs. Only 30% of the cases occurred within a 500-metre network distance of a recorded AED, according to the researchers. They calculated that 910 additional fixed devices would be needed to bring 84.5% of cases within that distance, while 1,712 more would be required for complete coverage.
The models indicated that drones could expand coverage from bases operating within a radius of about 3.9 kilometres. With 100 drone bases and 26 additional fixed AEDs, more than 97% of cases would have been within 500 metres of a fixed device or about four kilometres of a drone base. With 200 drone bases and four additional AEDs, more than 99% of cases would have been covered by the model.
The researchers also found that only 30% to 40% of cases could reach existing AEDs within five minutes using the ground transport network. The researchers cautioned that the figures were based on modelling rather than real-world deployment. Drone systems would need trained pilots, automated flight paths and supervision by emergency medical services.
Members of the public could use the AED after it arrived at the scene. The research team also noted that many AEDs are inaccessible because they are located in private or enclosed places. The cost of establishing drone networks would have to be assessed against the potential benefits.
Similar systems are already being used in parts of Sweden, according to the researchers.
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