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Kristiansson M, Andersson Hagiwara M, Svensson L, Schierbeck S, Nord A, Hollenberg J, Ringh M, Nordberg P, Andersson Segerfelt P, Jonsson M, Olsson J, Claesson A. Drones can be used to provide dispatch centres with on-site photos before arrival of EMS in time critical incidents. Resuscitation 2024; 202:110312. [PMID: 38996906 DOI: 10.1016/j.resuscitation.2024.110312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Drones are able to deliver automated external defibrillators in cases of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) but can be deployed for other purposes. Our aim was to evaluate the feasibility of sending live photos to dispatch centres before arrival of other units during time-critical incidents. METHODS In this retrospective observational study, the regional dispatch centre implemented a new service using five existing AED-drone systems covering an estimated 200000 inhabitants in Sweden. Drones were deployed automatically over a 4-month study period (December 2022-April 2023) in emergency calls involving suspected OHCAs, traffic accidents and fires in buildings. Upon arrival at the scene, an overhead photo was taken and transmitted to the dispatch centre. Feasibility of providing photos in real time, and time delays intervals were examined. RESULTS Overall, drones were deployed in 59/440 (13%) of all emergency calls: 26/59 (44%) of suspected OHCAs, 20/59 (34%) of traffic accidents, and 13/59 (22%) of fires in buildings. The main reasons for non-deployment were closed airspace and unfavourable weather conditions (68%). Drones arrived safely at the exact location in 58/59 cases (98%). Their overall median response time was 3:49 min, (IQR 3:18-4:26) vs. emergency medical services (EMS), 05:51 (IQR: 04:29-08:04) p-value for time difference between drone and EMS = 0,05. Drones arrived first on scene in 47/52 cases (90%) and the largest median time difference was found in suspected OHCAs 4:10 min, (IQR: 02:57-05:28). The time difference in the 5/52 (10%) cases when EMS arrived first the time difference was 5:18 min (IQR 2:19-7:38), p = NA. Photos were transmitted correctly in all 59 alerts. No adverse events occurred. CONCLUSION In a newly implemented drone dispatch service, drones were dispatched to 13% of relevant EMS calls. When drones were dispatched, they arrived at scene earlier than EMS services in 90% of cases. Drones were able to relay photos to the dispatch centre in all cases. Although severely affected by closed airspace and weather conditions, this novel method may facilitate additional decision-making information during time-critical incidents.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Kristiansson
- Centre for Resuscitation Science, Department of Clinical Science and Education, Karolinska Institutet, Södersjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden; Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, The Innovation Platform, Göteborg, Sweden
| | | | - L Svensson
- Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - S Schierbeck
- Centre for Resuscitation Science, Department of Clinical Science and Education, Karolinska Institutet, Södersjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - A Nord
- Centre for Resuscitation Science, Department of Clinical Science and Education, Karolinska Institutet, Södersjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - J Hollenberg
- Centre for Resuscitation Science, Department of Clinical Science and Education, Karolinska Institutet, Södersjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - M Ringh
- Centre for Resuscitation Science, Department of Clinical Science and Education, Karolinska Institutet, Södersjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - P Nordberg
- Centre for Resuscitation Science, Department of Clinical Science and Education, Karolinska Institutet, Södersjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - P Andersson Segerfelt
- Region Västra Götaland, Department of Regional Health, Emergency Medical Dispatch Centre, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - M Jonsson
- Region Västra Götaland, Department of Regional Health, Emergency Medical Dispatch Centre, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - J Olsson
- Region Västra Götaland, Department of Regional Health, Emergency Medical Dispatch Centre, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - A Claesson
- Centre for Resuscitation Science, Department of Clinical Science and Education, Karolinska Institutet, Södersjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Wiltshire M, Boxshall J, Milne J, Oleniacz K, Theobald K, Phillips B. The effects of drone transportation on blood component quality: A prospective randomised controlled laboratory study. Br J Haematol 2024. [PMID: 39118348 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.19666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
The use of uncrewed aerial vehicles (drones) has increased over the last decade. However, their application in healthcare has not been fully examined, in part, due to regulations preventing flight beyond the visual line of sight. This prospective randomised controlled laboratory study aimed to determine whether the in vitro quality of packed red blood cell components is maintained when transported by drone, beyond visual line of sight. Ten identical pairs of packed red blood cell units were randomly allocated to transport by drone or by ground vehicle (1:1, allocation concealment) 68 km between two hospitals in Northumbria, UK. Markers of blood component quality were compared at 8, 14, 28 and 35 days following blood unit manufacture. There was no statistical difference in haemolysis, potassium concentration, total haemoglobin, glucose and lactate, haematocrit and mean cell volume, between the two groups, up to the date of unit expiry. The temperature of the packed red blood cell units did not deviate outside the recommended 2-10°C for transportation, regardless of the allocated group. Blood component transport was faster by drone, but did not reach statistical significance. This study demonstrates the feasibility and safety of flying blood components by drone between hospitals in the United Kingdom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Wiltshire
- Department of Component Development, National Health Service Blood and Transplant, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jonathan Boxshall
- Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, North Tyneside General Hospital, North Shields, UK
| | - James Milne
- Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, UK
| | - Katarzyna Oleniacz
- Department of Component Development, National Health Service Blood and Transplant, Cambridge, UK
| | - Katherine Theobald
- Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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3
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Güngören MH, Romeijn S, Dijkstra JA, Crul M. Investigating the Impact of Drone Transport on the Stability of Monoclonal Antibodies for Inter-Hospital Transportation. J Pharm Sci 2024; 113:1816-1822. [PMID: 38582280 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2024.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
In the field of healthcare logistics, the reliance on conventional transport methods such as cars for the delivery of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) is susceptible to challenges posed by traffic and infrastructure, leading to increased and unpredictable transport times. Recognizing the potential role of drones in mitigating these challenges, we aimed to investigate the impact of medical drone transport on the stability of mAbs. Compromised stability could lead to aggregation and immunogenicity, thereby jeopardizing the efficacy and safety of mAbs. We studied the transportation of vials as well as ready-to-administer infusion bags with blinatumomab, tocilizumab, and daratumumab. The methodology involved the measurement of both temperature and mechanical shock during drone transport. Moreover, the analytical techniques High Performance Size-Exclusion Chromatography (HP-SEC), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Light Obscuration (LO), Micro-Flow Imaging (MFI), and Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA) were employed to comprehensively assess the presence of aggregates and particle formation. The key findings revealed no significant differences between car and drone transport, indicating that the stability of mAbs in both vials and infusion bags was adequately maintained during drone transport. This suggests that medical drones are a viable and reliable means for the inter-hospital transport of mAbs, paving the way for more efficient and predictable logistics in healthcare delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammed H Güngören
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands; Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Location Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Stefan Romeijn
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Jacob A Dijkstra
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Location Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Mirjam Crul
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Location Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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4
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Zègre-Hemsey JK, Cheskes S, Johnson AM, Rosamond WD, Cunningham CJ, Arnold E, Schierbeck S, Claesson A. Challenges & barriers for real-time integration of drones in emergency cardiac care: Lessons from the United States, Sweden, & Canada. Resusc Plus 2024; 17:100554. [PMID: 38317722 PMCID: PMC10838948 DOI: 10.1016/j.resplu.2024.100554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the US and Europe (∼600,000 incident events annually) and around the world (∼3.8 million). With every minute that passes without cardiopulmonary resuscitation or defibrillation, the probability of survival decreases by 10%. Preliminary studies suggest that uncrewed aircraft systems, also known as drones, can deliver automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to OHCA victims faster than ground transport and potentially save lives. Objective To date, the United States (US), Sweden, and Canada have made significant contributions to the knowledge base regarding AED-equipped drones. The purpose of this Special Communication is to explore the challenges and facilitators impacting the progress of AED-equipped drone integration into emergency medicine research and applications in the US, Sweden, and Canada. We also explore opportunities to propel this innovative and important research forward. Evidence review In this narrative review, we summarize the AED-drone research to date from the US, Sweden, and Canada, including the first drone-assisted delivery of an AED to an OHCA. Further, we compare the research environment, emergency medical systems, and aviation regulatory environment in each country as they apply to OHCA, AEDs, and drones. Finally, we provide recommendations for advancing research and implementation of AED-drone technology into emergency care. Findings The rates that drone technologies have been integrated into both research and real-life emergency care in each country varies considerably. Based on current research, there is significant potential in incorporating AED-equipped drones into the chain of survival for OHCA emergency response. Comparing the different environments and systems in each country revealed ways that each can serve as a facilitator or barrier to future AED-drone research. Conclusions and relevance The US, Sweden, and Canada each offers different challenges and opportunities in this field of research. Together, the international community can learn from one another to optimize integration of AED-equipped drones into emergency systems of care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sheldon Cheskes
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Division of Emergency Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Sunnybrook Centre for Prehospital Medicine, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anna M. Johnson
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Gillings School of Global Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, United States
| | - Wayne D. Rosamond
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Gillings School of Global Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, United States
| | | | - Evan Arnold
- North Carolina State University, Institute for Transportation Research and Education, United States
| | - Sofia Schierbeck
- Centre for Resuscitation Science, Department of Clinical Science and Education, Södersjukhuset, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Andreas Claesson
- Centre for Resuscitation Science, Department of Clinical Science and Education, Södersjukhuset, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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5
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Johnson AM, Rosamond WD. What does the COVID-19 pandemic reveal about out-of-hospital cardiac arrest? Insights from the Canadian EMS response. Resuscitation 2024; 194:110096. [PMID: 38135015 DOI: 10.1016/j.resuscitation.2023.110096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Anna M Johnson
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, United States.
| | - Wayne D Rosamond
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, United States
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Scendoni R, Cingolani M, Tambone V, De Micco F. Operational Health Pavilions in Mass Disasters: Lessons Learned from the 2023 Earthquake in Turkey and Syria. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:2052. [PMID: 37510493 PMCID: PMC10380084 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11142052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The massive earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria in February 2023 killed tens of thousands of people, and most of the deceased have not yet been identified. Many victims were pulled from the rubble hours or days later, injured and in need of assistance, treatment, and food, and many have not yet been connected with their families. Armed forces, volunteers, technicians, and health workers must cooperate in synergy in these situations to ensure effective interventions and to improve resilience. Based on the lessons learned from the response efforts to this recent natural catastrophe, this brief report proposes, for the first time, an organisational model structured around five functional pavilions that can be safely set up at the edge of a disaster area. Each pavilion should run its own activities to make a vital contribution to the overall coordinated emergency response. Looking to the future, it is extremely important to apply a technical approach that leads to maximum operational synergy at a disaster site and during the first phase of a sudden-onset emergency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Scendoni
- Department of Law, University of Macerata, 62100 Macerata, Italy
| | | | - Vittoradolfo Tambone
- Research Unit of Bioethics and Humanities, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128 Roma, Italy
| | - Francesco De Micco
- Research Unit of Bioethics and Humanities, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128 Roma, Italy
- Department of Clinical Affair, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, 00128 Roma, Italy
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Al-Wathinani AM, Alhallaf MA, Borowska-Stefańska M, Wiśniewski S, Sultan MAS, Samman OY, Alobaid AM, Althunayyan SM, Goniewicz K. Elevating Healthcare: Rapid Literature Review on Drone Applications for Streamlining Disaster Management and Prehospital Care in Saudi Arabia. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11111575. [PMID: 37297715 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11111575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Saudi Arabia's health sector faces pressing challenges in disaster and prehospital care delivery, such as prolonged response times, limited access to remote areas, and strained medical resources. Integrating drone technology has emerged as an innovative approach to address these challenges and revolutionize healthcare delivery. Drones can significantly enhance response times, increase access to underserved areas, and reduce the burden on existing medical infrastructure. A detailed analysis of global case studies demonstrates the successful use of drones in healthcare delivery, emphasizing the importance of regulatory frameworks and public-private partnerships. These examples provide valuable insights into Saudi Arabia's health sector transformation. The potential benefits of integrating drone technology include improved patient outcomes, increased efficiency, and cost savings. To ensure the successful implementation of this transformative approach, it is crucial to establish clear regulatory guidelines, invest in research and development, and foster collaboration between the government, private sector, and healthcare stakeholders. The aim of this study is to explore the potential of drone technology in transforming healthcare delivery in Saudi Arabia, particularly within disaster response and prehospital care services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed M Al-Wathinani
- Department of Emergency Medical Services, Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz College for Emergency Medical Services, King Saud University, Riyadh 11362, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad A Alhallaf
- Department of Emergency Medical Services, Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz College for Emergency Medical Services, King Saud University, Riyadh 11362, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Szymon Wiśniewski
- Institute of the Built Environment and Spatial Policy, University of Lodz, 90-142 Lodz, Poland
| | - Mohammed Ali Salem Sultan
- Healthcare Transformation, Model of Care, Regional Health Directorate, Najran 66255, Saudi Arabia
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, 40530 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Omar Y Samman
- Ibn Sina National College for Medical Studies, Jeddah 22421, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah M Alobaid
- Department of Trauma and Accident, Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz College, King Saud University, Riyadh 11362, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saqer M Althunayyan
- Department of Trauma and Accident, Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz College, King Saud University, Riyadh 11362, Saudi Arabia
| | - Krzysztof Goniewicz
- Department of Security Studies, Polish Air Force University, 08-521 Dęblin, Poland
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8
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For Heart Rate Assessments from Drone Footage in Disaster Scenarios. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:bioengineering10030336. [PMID: 36978727 PMCID: PMC10045207 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10030336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The ability to use drones to obtain important vital signs could be very valuable for emergency personnel during mass-casualty incidents. The rapid and robust remote assessment of heart rates could serve as a life-saving decision aid for first-responders. With the flight sensor data of a specialized drone, a pipeline was developed to achieve a robust, non-contact assessment of heart rates through remote photoplethysmography (rPPG). This robust assessment was achieved through adaptive face-aware exposure and comprehensive de-noising of a large number of predicted noise sources. In addition, we performed a proof-of-concept study that involved 18 stationary subjects with clean skin and 36 recordings of their vital signs, using the developed pipeline in outdoor conditions. In this study, we could achieve a single-value heart-rate assessment with an overall root-mean-squared error of 14.3 beats-per-minute, demonstrating the basic feasibility of our approach. However, further research is needed to verify the applicability of our approach in actual disaster situations, where remote photoplethysmography readings could be impacted by other factors, such as blood, dirt, and body positioning.
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Lokmic-Tomkins Z, Bhandari D, Bain C, Borda A, Kariotis TC, Reser D. Lessons Learned from Natural Disasters around Digital Health Technologies and Delivering Quality Healthcare. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:4542. [PMID: 36901559 PMCID: PMC10001761 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20054542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
As climate change drives increased intensity, duration and severity of weather-related events that can lead to natural disasters and mass casualties, innovative approaches are needed to develop climate-resilient healthcare systems that can deliver safe, quality healthcare under non-optimal conditions, especially in remote or underserved areas. Digital health technologies are touted as a potential contributor to healthcare climate change adaptation and mitigation, through improved access to healthcare, reduced inefficiencies, reduced costs, and increased portability of patient information. Under normal operating conditions, these systems are employed to deliver personalised healthcare and better patient and consumer involvement in their health and well-being. During the COVID-19 pandemic, digital health technologies were rapidly implemented on a mass scale in many settings to deliver healthcare in compliance with public health interventions, including lockdowns. However, the resilience and effectiveness of digital health technologies in the face of the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters remain to be determined. In this review, using the mixed-methods review methodology, we seek to map what is known about digital health resilience in the context of natural disasters using case studies to demonstrate what works and what does not and to propose future directions to build climate-resilient digital health interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zerina Lokmic-Tomkins
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Monash University, 35 Rainforest Walk, Clayton, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Dinesh Bhandari
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Monash University, 35 Rainforest Walk, Clayton, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Chris Bain
- Digital Health Theme, Department of Human-Centered Computing, Faculty of Information Technology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Ann Borda
- Melbourne Medical School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
- Department of Information Studies, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Timothy Charles Kariotis
- School of Computing and Information System, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
- Melbourne School of Government, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - David Reser
- Graduate Entry Medicine Program, Monash Rural Health-Churchill, Churchill, VIC 3842, Australia
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Roberts NB, Ager E, Leith T, Lott I, Mason-Maready M, Nix T, Gottula A, Hunt N, Brent C. Current summary of the evidence in drone-based emergency medical services care. Resusc Plus 2023; 13:100347. [PMID: 36654723 PMCID: PMC9841214 DOI: 10.1016/j.resplu.2022.100347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Interventions for many medical emergencies including cardiac arrests, strokes, drug overdoses, seizures, and trauma, are critically time-dependent, with faster intervention leading to improved patient outcomes. Consequently, a major focus of emergency medical services (EMS) systems and prehospital medicine has been improving the time until medical intervention in these time-sensitive emergencies, often by reducing the time required to deliver critical medical supplies to the scene of the emergency. Medical indications for using unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones, are rapidly expanding, including the delivery of time-sensitive medical supplies. To date, the drone-based delivery of a variety of time-critical medical supplies has been evaluated, generating promising data suggesting that drones can improve the time interval to intervention through the rapid delivery of automatic external defibrillators (AEDs), naloxone, antiepileptics, and blood products. Furthermore, the improvement in the time until intervention offered by drones in out-of-hospital emergencies is likely to improve patient outcomes in time-dependent medical emergencies. However, barriers and knowledge gaps remain that must be addressed. Further research demonstrating functionality in real-world scenarios, as well as research that integrates drones into the existing EMS structure will be necessary before drones can reach their full potential. The primary aim of this review is to summarize the current evidence in drone-based Emergency Medical Services Care to help identify future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan B. Roberts
- University of Michigan Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, 1500 E Medical Center Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5305, USA
- Corresponding authors at: Medical School, University of Michigan Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, 1500 E Medical Center Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5305, USA.
| | - Emily Ager
- University of Michigan Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, 1500 E Medical Center Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5305, USA
- Corresponding authors at: Medical School, University of Michigan Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, 1500 E Medical Center Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5305, USA.
| | - Thomas Leith
- University of Michigan Medical School, 7300 Medical Science Building I—A Wing, 1301 Catherine St, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Isabel Lott
- University of Michigan Medical School, 7300 Medical Science Building I—A Wing, 1301 Catherine St, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Marlee Mason-Maready
- Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, 586 Pioneer Dr, Rochester, MI 48309, USA
| | - Tyler Nix
- University of Michigan, Taubman Health Sciences Library, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Adam Gottula
- University of Michigan Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, 1500 E Medical Center Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5305, USA
- The University of Michigan, Department of Anesthesiology , University of Michigan Medical School, 1500 East Medical Center Dr. Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Nathaniel Hunt
- University of Michigan Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, 1500 E Medical Center Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5305, USA
| | - Christine Brent
- University of Michigan Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, 1500 E Medical Center Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5305, USA
- Corresponding authors at: Medical School, University of Michigan Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, 1500 E Medical Center Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5305, USA.
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11
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Lu J, Wang X, Chen L, Sun X, Li R, Zhong W, Fu Y, Yang L, Liu W, Han W. Unmanned aerial vehicle based intelligent triage system in mass-casualty incidents using 5G and artificial intelligence. World J Emerg Med 2023; 14:273-279. [PMID: 37425090 PMCID: PMC10323497 DOI: 10.5847/wjem.j.1920-8642.2023.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rapid on-site triage is critical after mass-casualty incidents (MCIs) and other mass injury events. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have been used in MCIs to search and rescue wounded individuals, but they mainly depend on the UAV operator's experience. We used UAVs and artificial intelligence (AI) to provide a new technique for the triage of MCIs and more efficient solutions for emergency rescue. METHODS This was a preliminary experimental study. We developed an intelligent triage system based on two AI algorithms, namely OpenPose and YOLO. Volunteers were recruited to simulate the MCI scene and triage, combined with UAV and Fifth Generation (5G) Mobile Communication Technology real-time transmission technique, to achieve triage in the simulated MCI scene. RESULTS Seven postures were designed and recognized to achieve brief but meaningful triage in MCIs. Eight volunteers participated in the MCI simulation scenario. The results of simulation scenarios showed that the proposed method was feasible in tasks of triage for MCIs. CONCLUSION The proposed technique may provide an alternative technique for the triage of MCIs and is an innovative method in emergency rescue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiafa Lu
- Emergency Department of Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Linghao Chen
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Xuedong Sun
- Emergency Department of Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Rui Li
- Emergency Department of Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Wanjing Zhong
- Emergency Department of Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yajing Fu
- Emergency Department of Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Le Yang
- Emergency Department of Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Weixiang Liu
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Wei Han
- Emergency Department of Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
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12
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Drones delivering automated external defibrillators: A new strategy to improve the prognosis of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Resuscitation 2023; 182:109669. [PMID: 36535307 DOI: 10.1016/j.resuscitation.2022.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is a serious threat to human life and health, characterized by high morbidity and mortality. However, given the limitations of the current emergency medical system (EMS), it is difficult to immediately treat patients who experience OHCA. It is well known that rapid defibrillation after cardiac arrest is essential for improving the survival rate of OHCA, yet automated external defibrillators (AED) are difficult to obtain in a timely manner. OBJECTIVE This review illustrates the feasibility and advantages of AED delivery by drones by surveying current studies on drones, explains that drones are a new strategy in OHCA, and finally proposes novel strategies to address existing problems with drone systems. RESULTS The continuous development of drone technology has been beneficial for patients who experience OHCA, as drones have demonstrated powerful capabilities to provide rapid delivery of AED. Drones have great advantages over traditional EMS, and the delivery of AED by drones for patients with OHCA is a new strategy. However, the application of this new strategy in real life still has many challenges. CONCLUSION Drones are promising and innovative tools. Many studies have demonstrated that AED delivery by drones is feasible and cost-effective; however, as a new strategy to improve the survival rate of OHCA patients, there remain problems to be solved. In the future, more in-depth investigations need to be conducted.
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Voicescu GT, Linty M, Ler LG, Kaufman S, Corte FD. The results of a Foresight exercise: Outcome from a NO-FEAR internal evaluation. ME´DECINE DE CATASTROPHE, URGENCES COLLECTIVES 2022. [PMCID: PMC9727550 DOI: 10.1016/j.pxur.2022.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The challenges that the health systems face in the last years increased exponentially. No matter if we are talking about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic or the Russian military action in Ukraine, the European health ecosystem is facing new problems. In the light of these uncertainties, we assessed which could be the next trends that can impact the healthcare systems, in order to better prepare and adapt to the new contexts. Using two foresights exercises (FSE), one in 2018 and the second one in 2022, we had identified the most important trends in the political, economic, social, technological, security, environmental and medical sectors that could have an impact on health. Fifty-three people participated in the first FSE and 40 in the second one. The respondents identified cyber security, an increased reliance on digital technologies for communications, CBRNE management of the patients, centrally coordinated attacks, demographic aging, reduced economic resources, violence against emergency medical staff and the increased need and demand for psychosocial support as the most important trends. Moreover, they considered that wars, hybrid threats, the fake news, pandemics and the influence of artificial intelligence could impact the healthcare systems. Many of the trends identified in 2018 as having a possible impact on the health system proved to be relevant four years later. Therefore, we consider the FSE a relevant tool in foreseeing the main areas that could have an impact on health and its results could guide the preparedness for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Teo Voicescu
- CRIMEDIM (Center for Research and Training in Disaster Medicine, Humanitarian Aid and Global Health), Università del Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy,Iuliu Hatieganu. University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Babes str., 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania,Department for Sustainable Development and Ecological Transition, Università del Piemonte Orientale, 13100 Vercelli, Italy,Corresponding author at: CRIMEDIM (Center for Research and Training in Disaster Medicine, Humanitarian Aid and Global Health), Università del Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Monica Linty
- CRIMEDIM (Center for Research and Training in Disaster Medicine, Humanitarian Aid and Global Health), Università del Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy,Department for Sustainable Development and Ecological Transition, Università del Piemonte Orientale, 13100 Vercelli, Italy
| | - Lian-Guey Ler
- Université Côte d’Azur, Polytech Nice Sophia, 930, Route des Colles, 06903 Sophia, France
| | - Stefan Kaufman
- Institute of Sociology, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Rempartstr. 15, 79098 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Francesco Della Corte
- CRIMEDIM (Center for Research and Training in Disaster Medicine, Humanitarian Aid and Global Health), Università del Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy,Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy
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Comtet HE, Keitsch M, Johannessen KA. Realities of Using Drones to Transport Laboratory Samples: Insights from Attended Routes in a Mixed-Methods Study. J Multidiscip Healthc 2022; 15:1871-1885. [PMID: 36068877 PMCID: PMC9441146 DOI: 10.2147/jmdh.s371957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hans E Comtet
- The Intervention Centre, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, 0424, Norway
- Department of Design, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, 7491, Norway
- Correspondence: Hans E Comtet, The Intervention Centre, Oslo University Hospital, Postboks 4950, Oslo, 0424, Norway, Email
| | - Martina Keitsch
- Department of Design, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, 7491, Norway
| | - Karl-Arne Johannessen
- The Intervention Centre, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, 0424, Norway
- Department of Health Management and Health Economics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, 0318, Norway
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Anwer A, Shariq K, Rathi S. Managing Emergency Events in a Developing Country [Pakistan]: A New Chapter? [Letter]. OPEN ACCESS EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2022; 14:233-234. [PMID: 35663356 PMCID: PMC9156337 DOI: 10.2147/oaem.s372785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Anusha Anwer
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dow Medical College, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Kainat Shariq
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dow Medical College, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Sushma Rathi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dow Medical College, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
- Correspondence: Sushma Rathi, Department of Internal Medicine, Dow Medical College, Dow University of Health Sciences, B903, Saima Square One Residency, Dalmia Road Beside Millennium, Karachi, Pakistan, Tel +923333139294, Email
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