Drone-Delivered AEDs Begin First U.S. Trial to Cut Response Times
Drone-Delivered AEDs Begin First U.S. Trial to Cut Response Times
Source: Duke Health News, November 19, 2025
Keynotes:
1. Cardiac arrest survival is <10% among 350,000 yearly U.S. cases.
2. Early AED use (2–3 minutes) can raise survival to up to 70% (prior research).
3. EMS response averages 8–10 minutes, missing the optimal window.
4. Duke Health launched the first U.S. trial of drone-delivered AEDs during real 911 calls.
5. Drones aim to deliver AEDs in under 5 minutes, vs conventional EMS.
6. Drones fly autonomously and winch the AED to the ground safely without landing.
7. For legal and regulatory reasons, drones cannot launch without an official 911 call confirming cardiac arrest.
8. The 911 operator stays on the line, guiding the bystander to the drop point and assisting in AED use; the AED also provides automated voice instructions.
9. The trial measures feasibility and response times, not survival outcomes yet.
10. Future phases will assess clinical impact once delivery times consistently meet targets.