Drones could soon be used by the NHS to deliver defibrillators directly to people whose hearts have stopped, potentially reaching patients faster than ambulances and ultimately saving more lives. A study by the University of Warwick tested how a drone delivery system might work in rural communities where winding roads often slow ambulances. The team said the results show drones could be very promising in real emergencies. Every year, less than 1 in 10 of people who suffer a cardiac arrest outside of the hospital survive the ordeal. Defibrillators that can be deployed in mere minutes can more than double to chance of survival. During the study, it took less than 10 minutes from the initial emergency call to the first defibrillator shock. The UK government is backing leading scientists to research, test and develop new forms of emergency healthcare that have the potential to save lives, and drones fit into that category. Similar drone systems are already in use in parts of Denmark and Sweden.
