A new clinical trial led by Duke Health and coordinated through the Duke Clinical Research Institute is testing whether drones can deliver automated external defibrillators (AEDs) more quickly than traditional emergency services during real 911 calls. The study, which is taking place in Forsyth County, North Carolina, marks the first time in the United States that AED-equipped drones are being dispatched to actual cardiac arrest emergencies.
The project involves a coalition of researchers, public safety agencies, and community partners. When a 911 call for cardiac arrest comes in from Clemmons, N.C., a drone carrying an AED is launched immediately while emergency medical services are also deployed. The 911 dispatcher works with a drone pilot to send the drone autonomously to the scene. Once there, it descends and winches the AED safely to the ground so that bystanders can use it under dispatcher guidance.
Monique Starks, M.D., principal investigator and associate professor at Duke University School of Medicine, said: “This study represents a major step forward in how we respond to cardiac arrest in the United States. By integrating drone technology into emergency care, we’re working to close the critical gap between cardiac arrest and treatment, and that has the potential to save thousands of lives.”
Research shows that using an AED within two to three minutes of cardiac arrest can increase survival rates up to 70%. However, emergency medical services often take eight to ten minutes to arrive on scene.
Forsyth County Sheriff Bobby Kimbrough Jr. commented: “Launching drone-delivered AEDs is a promise to our citizens that their safety and quality of life are paramount. When seconds matter, this technology gives us the ability to reach people in need faster than ever before. It’s about saving lives, building trust, and showing our community that we will always lead with care and commitment.”
The research team aims for drones to deliver AEDs within five minutes for over half of those living in the study area. The trial also includes James City County in Virginia.
Support for this work comes from the American Heart Association along with more than twelve partners such as University of Washington, Hovecon Consulting, Emory University, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), and University of Toronto.
Joseph Ornato, M.D., professor at VCU and co-principal investigator on the study stated: “This project is laying the groundwork for what we hope will become a large, multi-center randomized clinical trial. That future research will help us understand critical questions about how well this works, what it costs, and how we can get AEDs to people as quickly as possible whether they live in a city or rural community.”
James Fore from Forsyth County 911 Fire/EMS added: “Forsyth County Fire/EMS 911 is proud to partner with Duke Health and the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office in this groundbreaking drone AED project, which has the potential to save lives by delivering critical care faster than ever before. By integrating this technology into our emergency response system, we are strengthening our ability to serve the community when every second counts.”
Stephen Powell, M.D., assistant professor at Wake Forest University School of Medicine said: “Our teams have worked tirelessly to set a new standard in cardiac arrest care by integrating drone delivery of AEDs during 911 calls. This collaboration between telecommunicators and drone pilots—built through extensive planning and drills—aims to save precious minutes and ultimately lives. It’s incredible to see what’s possible when dedicated people come together for a single purpose.”
Basil Yap from Hovecon remarked: “While much of the excitement around drone delivery has centered on faster packages and e-commerce convenience, today marks a pivotal shift. This program is about life-saving deliveries of critical medical equipment in the form of AEDs, and we have achieved that only by making rigorous safety and full regulatory compliance the foundation of everything we do.”
Betsy Sink from James City County Emergency Medical Services said: “Drones can meaningfully shorten the most critical moments between collapse and care. They won’t replace traditional response systems but they can strengthen them by placing lifesaving equipment in the hands of bystanders when it matters most. This project allows us to better understand how far this innovation can go in improving survival and will shape the future of emergency medicine.”
Sgt. Tiara Suggs from James City County Police Department noted: “We’re excited about the potential drones bring to public safety. Whether it’s delivering AEDs, locating missing persons or getting eyes on a scene faster than we ever could before; drones help us respond smarter and faster. In rural areas especially where access can be limited they’re a force multiplier that’s helping us save lives and protect our communities in ways we couldn’t just a few years ago.”
Duke University Hospital—located in Durham since its founding in 1925—is involved through its health system leadership role; Craig T. Albanese serves as president according to hospital information. The hospital admitted over 41,000 patients for treatment during 2022.
