Actively Recruiting
Developing and Testing Drone-Delivered AEDs for Cardiac Arrests in Rural America
Led by Duke University · Updated on 2026-05-14
128
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
D
Duke University
Lead Sponsor
V
Virginia Commonwealth University
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are developing and testing a drone delivery system designed to bring automated external defibrillators (AEDs) quickly to people experiencing out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCA) in rural communities. The goal is to determine if drones can deliver AEDs faster than traditional first responders and emergency medical services (EMS), potentially improving survival rates. This project includes multiple aims focusing on analyzing existing data, optimizing AED placement, and piloting drone delivery in selected areas. The study involves integrating AED-equipped drones into existing FAA-approved drone-as-first-responder programs in rural and urban communities. The pilot test will take place in six communities, including four rural and two urban areas, where real-time and simulated OHCAs will be used to assess the drone program’s ability to arrive before EMS, deliver AEDs safely without interrupting bystanders, and treat suspected cardiac arrest patients. Simulations will also test the drone’s delivery speed and deployment effectiveness. Participants will be patients aged 18 or older who experience non-traumatic cardiac arrest recorded in the CARES registry. Researchers will monitor time differences between drone AED arrival and EMS arrival, measure how often drones arrive first, and evaluate AED deployment success. Additional assessments include drone altitude during deployment and bystander AED use rates. The study will follow outcomes over periods of 6 to 15 months, with ongoing safety and effectiveness evaluations.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Developing and Testing Drone-Delivered AEDs for Cardiac Arrests In Rural America
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Patients aged 18 years or older
- Patients included in the CARES registry who suffer non-traumatic cardiac arrest before arrival of 911 responders
- Patients who may have received an AED shock from a bystander prior to 911 responder arrival
You will not qualify if you...
- Patients who have a traumatic cause of cardiac arrest
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
Screening and enrollment occur together during initial contact.
Duration - Up to 15 months
Participants are involved in real-time and simulated out-of-hospital cardiac arrests where drones deliver AEDs ahead of emergency responders.
Multiple emergency response events and simulated alerts occurring over the study period.
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Forsyth County
Clemmons, North Carolina, United States, 27012
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
L
Leo Brothers, MPH
L
Lauren Wilverding
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
NA
Model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary Purpose
HEALTH_SERVICES_RESEARCH
Number of Arms
1
Similar Trials
Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions? Get in touch with our team for quick support
Not the Right Trial for You?
Explore thousands of other clinical trials that might be a better match.
Sign up to get personalized trial recommendations delivered to your inbox.
Already have an account? Log in here