University of Warwick study shows drones could deliver defibrillators faster in cardiac arrest emergencies

University of Warwick study shows drones could deliver defibrillators faster in cardiac arrest emergencies

(IN BRIEF) University of Warwick researchers, in partnership with the Welsh Ambulance Service and drone specialists SkyBound, have demonstrated that drones carrying defibrillators could transform emergency response to out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in the UK. In NIHR-funded rural simulations, drones launched within just over two minutes of a 999 call and delivered AEDs safely, maintaining real-time communication with call handlers and bystanders. While extra support is needed to help the public use AEDs quickly, the study shows strong potential for the technology to reduce delays and save lives.

(PRESS RELEASE) COVENTRY, 8-Sep-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — University of Warwick researchers, working with the Welsh Ambulance Services University NHS Trust and drone specialists SkyBound, have shown how drones carrying Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) could revolutionise emergency response for out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in the UK. With more than 40,000 cardiac arrests happening outside hospitals each year and survival rates below 10%, rapid access to CPR and defibrillation is crucial.

The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR)-funded study tested drone delivery of AEDs in rural simulations, where ambulances would typically face delays. Using a DJI M300 drone equipped with a winch, AEDs were dispatched within just over two minutes of a 999 call. Real-time communication between drone operators, call handlers, and members of the public was maintained, showing the system could be integrated into existing emergency response networks.

Dr Christopher Smith, Chief Investigator from the University of Warwick, explained: “Ambulance crews move quickly, but in rural locations it is difficult to arrive in time. AEDs can be used safely by bystanders, but they are rarely retrieved fast enough. Our research shows drones can fly long distances, deliver AEDs securely, and maintain live links to emergency services. We are now in a position where the system could be operationalised for real emergencies in the UK.”

The trial involved 11 participants and highlighted both the promise and the challenges of drone-enabled care. While AEDs were delivered quickly, bystanders needed additional support to use the devices effectively, delaying shock delivery. Researchers concluded that further training and clearer call-handler guidance are essential to maximise the technology’s life-saving impact.

The project also included patient voices. Mark Holt, who helped resuscitate his father Steve after a cardiac arrest in the Lake District, said: “Waiting for paramedics felt like an eternity. If a drone had brought a defibrillator within minutes, it could have made a huge difference. Families like mine would welcome this innovation.”

Professor Mike Lewis, NIHR Scientific Director for Innovation, added: “This is exactly the kind of research that powers healthcare innovation. Drone-delivered AEDs could become a critical part of how we save lives in the years ahead.”

The findings are published in Resuscitation Plus and reflect the contributions of University of Warwick researchers, NIHR, the Welsh Ambulance Service, SkyBound, and Health and Care Research Wales.

The paper “The use of drone-delivered Automated External Defibrillators in the emergency response for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. A simulation study” is published in Resuscitation Plus. DOI: 10.1016/j.resplu.2025.101045

Funding:

The study was funded by NIHR’s Research for Patient Benefit (RfPB) Programme.

Health and Care Research Wales also provided NHS Excess Treatment Costs (ETC) for the drone.

Additional Quotes:

Carl Powell, Clinical Lead (Acute Care) at the Welsh Ambulance Service, said: “In a cardiac arrest, every second counts. We will always send an ambulance as quickly as possible, but starting chest compressions and delivering an electric shock with a defibrillator in the meantime could mean the difference between life and death.

“We’re grateful to NIHR and others for funding this research, which has demonstrated that the technology shows a great amount of promise.

“We’ll continue to work with partners to further explore and test how drone-delivered defibrillators could be harnessed by the NHS.”

Gemma Alcock, CEO of SkyBound, said: “This collaboration represents a significant step forward in leveraging technology to potentially save lives, particularly in remote areas where access to defibrillators can be challenging.

“Our involvement underscores the very reason SkyBound came into fruition, as the initial inspiration came from the experience I gained as a beach lifeguard where I dealt with a life-critical incident.

Media Contact:

University of Warwick Press Office on +44(0)7880 175403 or Matt.Higgs@warwick.ac.uk

NIHR Press Office on 020 4587 7470 or pressoffice@nihr.ac.uk.

SOURCE: University of Warwick