How drones are transforming emergency medical response with AED delivery

The rapid expansion of drone usage is being explored for delivering emergency medical devices like automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to improve survival rates during cardiac arrests. Researchers are testing drones to deliver AEDs quickly, with a study led by Dr. Moninque Starks of Duke Health demonstrating AED delivery within four minutes, significantly increasing survival chances. The program, which deploys sheriff department drone pilots to deliver AEDs up to 4.5 miles from the call location, aims to expand in North Carolina, particularly in rural areas where emergency response times are longer. Future implementation of such programs will rely on local and state funding.