Flight testing of drone-delivered automated external defibrillators for simulated out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in suburban Thailand

The use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in a timely manner is critical for improving survival rates in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) cases. However, in developing countries, logistical and infrastructural challenges often result in delays, particularly in suburban areas. This study evaluates the feasibility and safety of using drones to deliver AEDs in suburban OHCA scenarios. A series of ninety test flights were conducted using a DJI Matrice 600 drone (DJI, China) to deliver a Philips HeartStart AED (Philips, Netherlands) across varying payloads. Bystanders in simulated OHCA situations identified their location via mobile applications, enabling the drone operator to dispatch the drone beyond the pilot's line of sight. The results showed a 97.7% success rate in AED delivery, with a median flight distance of 4042 m and a median response time of 7 min and 39 s. Despite payload variations, the drone maintained adequate speed and landing accuracy, with a mean speed of 9.17 m per second and a median landing error of 122 centimeters. The findings suggest that drones have significant potential for improving emergency medical responses in suburban areas of developing countries. Integration into emergency services could address current delays, though further research is necessary to optimize performance under varying conditions.