Research hotspots and emerging trends in low-altitude medical rescue (2014-2024): A bibliometric study

Due to the constraints of ground traffic congestion, geographical barriers in remote areas, and the stringent time-sensitivity of life-threatening conditions, low-altitude medical rescue (LAMR) have emerged as an indispensable solution, attracting widespread attention and becoming an inevitable trend in next-generation medical rescue research. This study aimed to analyze research hotspots and emerging trends in drone-based LAMR to assist healthcare professionals in optimizing LAMR systems for sustainable development.

A visual analysis was conducted using CiteSpace 6.3.R1 software to analyze research hotspots and emerging trends in drone-based LAMR from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2024. The indicators included publication output over time, publication countries and institutions, authors, cited journals, co-occurrence of keywords, and burst keyword detection.

A total of 524 publications were included in the final analysis. The Scandinavian Journal of Trauma Resuscitation & Emergency Medicine emerged as the most cited journal. Research hotspots focused on operational efficiency and clinical outcomes of drone-based LAMR, system-level management and resource optimization, and tailored protocols for critical conditions. Future trends emphasize service delivery optimization and the role of drone-based LAMR in public health security.

This study delineates the evolution of drone-based LAMR research, highlighting its growing integration with public health strategies. Findings reveal the need for innovation in drone-assisted technologies and interdisciplinary collaboration to enhance drone-based LAMR scalability and resilience.