Study drone defibrillator delivery could significant improve coverage

Date:
Mon, 28 Sep 2026 11:38:55 +0000

Description:
New research from a team in France shows average improvements of 3.76 minutes in delivery times.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter A study carried out by researchers in France looked at drone delivery for defibrillators It found that wait times could be cut by 3.76 minutes on average Provision of more fixed defibrillators and better placement of the devices is important too Out-of-hospital cardiac arrests are currently survived by fewer than 1 in 10 people , but researchers in France have explored a new defibrillator delivery method that could help push these figures in the right direction: delivery by drone.

In an analysis carried out by Lariboisire Hospital emergency physician
Hillary Minka and her colleagues, drone delivery capabilities were added to the current network of fixed automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in
areas surrounding Paris. Using drones could cut delivery times by an average of 3.76 minutes, the simulations showed, with 95% of cardiac arrest patients reached within five minutes, compared to the current 30-40% figure when relying on foot and road transport of the devices. Latest Videos From TechRadar Watch full video here:

However, the researchers emphasize that the provision of more AEDs should be
a priority too, not just the use of drones to deliver them, and say locating more AEDs in places that are publicly accessible, rather than in private spaces, will also help. Together, they say these measures could increase the five-minute coverage rate to 99.4%. Real-world testing is next Everdrone already deploys medical drones in Sweden (Image credit: Everdrone) "Drones will never replace bystanders, resuscitation efforts or emergency medical teams," says Minka. "However, they could represent an additional link in the chain of survival and help make defibrillation available more quickly." You may like This 24-foot inflatable drone can fly for 10 hours but can probably fit in your car New drone system which could spot wildfires before they get out of control completes its first test but is it too late for the summer blazes plaguing Europe? Flock CEO says drones are 'probably our fastest growing business'

The researchers' work also showed the importance of the geographical distribution of AEDs. Better placement reduces the need for additional units, given the drone range of around 3,900 meters (12,.795 feet).

Next, the researchers want to set up real-world trials. This new study was based on simulations and modeling no actual drones were flown and so it doesn't take into account any day-to-day variables, such as weather conditions. Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox Sign up
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The study hasn't yet been peer-reviewed, but it has been presented at the European Emergency Medicine Congress 2026 in Paris. Defibrillators are
already delivered by drone in some parts of Sweden , and it may not be too long before other countries follow its lead. Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds. Today's best drone deals DJI Mini 5 Pro 619 View See all
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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/cameras/drones/study-shows-using-drones-to-deliver-d efibrillators-could-more-than-double-the-chances-of-reaching-cardiac-arrest-pa tients-quickly


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