DAEDALUS
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Drone Delivery of Automated External Defibrillators to Lay Users (DAEDALUS): A proof of concept study
IRAS ID
347904
Contact name
Scott Munro
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Surrey
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 4 months, 0 days
Research summary
Aim(s)
This study tests the feasibility of using drones to deliver Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) - devices that can restart the heart - directly to people supporting someone experiencing a cardiac arrest outside of hospital. Our goals are to assess if we can use drones to deliver Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in a timely way, identify challenges, and gauge public views on barriers and benefits.
Background to the Research
Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops, cutting off blood flow to vital organs. Immediate treatment is critical, and survival rates are currently less than 10% in the UK, largely due to delays in delivering effective treatment. AEDs are vital for treating cardiac arrests by restoring regular heart rhythms, but quick access to these devices is a challenge.
Design and Methods Used
Stage 1:
Develop protocols that explain the process from 999-emergency call to the drone delivery of the AED. This includes coordinating between lay public 999 callers, emergency workers in an ambulance dispatch centre, Air Traffic Control, and drone
operators. The protocols will be tested through simulations at Redhill Aerodrome, where scenarios of cardiac arrests will beenacted using training manikins. These will take place over 4 days across 4 months. During these simulations, we will measure
response times for each part of the process and collect feedback from participants. We will collate and analyse this data and use it to refine the protocol for the subsequent testing day.
Stage 2
We will recruit and conduct interviews with individuals who have responded to or experienced out-of-hospital cardiac arrests to understand public perception, potential barriers and benefits, and acceptability of
drone-delivered AEDs.
Stage 3:
We will model the potential cost-effectiveness of drone-delivered AEDs using study data and existing literature.REC name
London - City & East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/LO/0518
Date of REC Opinion
7 Aug 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion