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Japan Tests AED Delivery by Drones: Revolutionising Emergency Response in Golf Courses
Japan is conducting tests to transport AEDs via drones at a golf course near Chiba. The trial aims to provide quick assistance to golfers experiencing cardiac arrest. The drone system autonomously determines the optimal route to the patient based on location data.
In a groundbreaking initiative, Japan is conducting tests to transport automated external defibrillators (AEDs) via drones at a golf course near Chiba. The aim is to provide swift assistance to golfers who may experience sudden cardiac arrest while playing. Chiba University has partnered with Tokyo-based AirMobility, a company specialising in flying cars, to carry out the trial at the Kiminomori Golf Club.
The simulation test scenario involves a golfer suffering a cardiac arrest, with someone nearby calling for help. Using a smartphone app, the caller requests an AED. The AirMobility-developed system then utilises location data to determine the optimal route for the drone within seconds, avoiding obstacles such as houses and trees. The drone, equipped with an AED, autonomously follows the designated route to reach the patient.
To ensure safety, golf carts at the course emit warnings to alert other golfers about the presence of the drone. During the trial, a drone successfully flew approximately 400 meters in just over three minutes. This innovative approach eliminates the need for manual drone operation, which is impractical to have on standby at golf courses. Additionally, it addresses the challenge of accurately describing the location of a medical emergency.
Automating the process of conveying location information and the flight itself is expected to pave the way for the commercialisation of AED-transporting drones. Chiba prefecture, known for its flat geography, is home to numerous golf courses, attracting a significant number of middle-aged and older golfers. Instances of cardiac events, such as heart attacks, are not uncommon in this demographic.
Dr. Takaaki Nakada, head of emergency and critical care medicine at Chiba University Hospital, highlighted the importance of time in cardiopulmonary resuscitation. AEDs are typically kept in clubhouses, causing delays in their transportation. With each passing minute after a cardiac arrest, the survival rate decreases by approximately 10%. Therefore, the use of drone-based AED deliveries can significantly improve outcomes, especially for longer transport distances.
While the recent test demonstrated the feasibility of drone-based AED transport, there are still some challenges to overcome. For instance, the initial plan involved a flight of nearly 1 kilometer, including passing over large trees. However, the drone's batteries ran out during the test due to multiple practice runs. Despite this setback, AirMobility President and CEO Hisashi Asai expressed confidence in the system's performance and aims to commercialise it soon.
Future plans involve collaborating with medical institutions, including a partnership with Chiba-based startup Smart119. This collaboration would enable simultaneous requests for an AED and an ambulance. Asai emphasised the potential of drones beyond golf courses, envisioning their use in transporting medicine and relief supplies during emergencies.
Japan is conducting tests to transport AEDs via drones at a golf course near Chiba.
The trial aims to provide quick assistance to golfers experiencing cardiac arrest.
The drone system autonomously determines the optimal route to the patient based on location data.
Source: NIKKEI ASIA