[AED drones on the rise? : Use of drones to improve public access defibrillation]

The poor availability of automatic external defibrillators (AED) and the modest knowledge of lay persons in handling these devices has led to an insufficient spread of public access defibrillation in Germany.

This article examines whether the automated deployment of AED drones to out-of-hospital cardiac arrest can help to remedy this situation.

Narrative literature review, evaluation of statistics, analysis of relevant media reports, and discussion of key research.

The present investigations are mainly located in the experimental field and demonstrate the feasibility and safety of drone use, as well as shorter times to first defibrillation, which is confirmed by initial clinical studies. Mathematical models also indicate cost-effectiveness of airborne AED delivery compared to ground dispatch. Integration into the chain of survival appears to be possible but adaptations to existing emergency medical service structures and close cooperation with regional first responder and AED schemes as well as local authorities is required to optimise patient benefit and efficiency.

The use of AED drones could probably contribute to improving public access defibrillation in Germany. This applies to both rural and urban regions. The technological requirements are met but flight regulations still have to be amended. In order to explore the full potential of this novel technology, further field trials are required to achieve smooth integration into existing emergency medical services.