When somebody experiences sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), every second matters. CPR and defibrillation are the two ways to treat somebody suffering an SCA, but the patient’s survivability decreases with every passing minute. Often, EMS arrives too late. This is why we emphasize the importance of AED prevalence and bystander education. If people on-site are equipped with the devices and knowledge they need, we could save more lives. How do we make sure there are AEDs wherever we need them? There are several answers: you could carry one personally, urge business owners to invest in these devices, or contact your local government to equip community centers with defibrillators. But companies around the world have a different idea. Drone Delivery Canada Corp. (DDC) is reimagining the rescue process with their AED On the Fly project.
DDC aims to deliver AEDs by drone to bystanders in response to emergency calls. This project just completed phase two of its trial period, in which it demonstrated the ability to deploy AEDs safely and accurately, and showed marked improvements over phase one. The principal investigator of this program, Sheldon Cheskes, noted the importance of deploying a device that guides lay-rescuers through chest compressions and defibrillation. Without this, stress levels can cloud judgement and inhibit bystanders from delivering the quality care that’s needed to save lives.
This groundbreaking technology continues to advance, and DDC just announced collaboration with GlobalMedic and Air Canada to deliver COVID-treatment Cargo to remote territory Christian Island.
If brought to the United States, this technology could markedly improve SCA outcomes. With the capacity to quickly deliver user-friendly devices to rural areas, drone AED delivery can begin to mitigate disparities in response times to rural areas compared to urban areas. This technology is a big step in creating a stronger, more equitable Chain of Survival.
Sources
Drone Delivery Canada. “Drone Delivery Canada Successfully Completes Phase Two of its ‘AED On the Fly’ Project.” 29 July 2020.
Written by Blaire Kingsmore
Customer Service Director
Fact checked by Phillip Woods, BA, NREMT-P, FP-C
Blaire attended the University of Tennessee where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Human Ecology- Child and Family Studies. She has been in the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) industry for over eight years and is the Director of Customer Service for Coro Medical. Blaire is also an American Red Cross-certified CPR/AED/First Aid Instructor, highly trained by each manufacturer on their specific AEDs, and knowledgeable regarding ALL State AED regulations and legislation.
“I know that every day I come to work, I am playing a part in saving someone’s life. I am passionate about these devices and am always looking for new and innovative ways to spread awareness and knowledge about Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA). I look forward to the day when everywhere I go, I will see an AED—when SCA will no longer take any lives.”
Last updated July 29, 2020