HEALTHCARE LOGISTICS


The ‘air drone ambulances’ that could soon be a reality


Chris Dyke – Connectivity manager at Medilink Midlands, the Industry Gateway team for the West Midlands Academic Health Science Network – discusses the potential for increasing use of drones within the life sciences and healthcare engineering and estate management sectors.


Blackspace Technology’s Drone Patient Stretch System.


Since the 1970s, drones and autonomous vehicles have been part of our lives, having first featured in science-fiction films such as Star Wars. Although we have an idea of what they can do, the question is, what role do drones have within the healthcare sector? Most of us will have seen, or even played with, some form of drone purchased from the high street or an online store. Whether it is a versatile pocket drone, or a more complex foldable mini-suitcase type, their prevalence is becoming increasingly commonplace. Drone design and its capabilities are constantly evolving, and therefore they have enormous potential to transform society, business, and our healthcare sector.


Current use of drones In fact, drones are revolutionising the healthcare sector, and are regularly used by first responders. Ambulance crews, for example, are using drones to speed up the assessment of major emergency incidents, and to locate missing people. Making such processes faster and more efficient is improving patient survival rates and the speed at which care can


be delivered in emergency situations. Healthcare estates managers are also using drones to survey buildings and, in particular, to assess high elevation elements such as roofs. This saves hiring specialist equipment or erecting scaffolding, which incurs costs, and may interfere with patient care. Companies such as HeroTech8 provide


a ‘Drone in a Box’ option for Estates managers. When required, the secured box opens, allowing the drone inside to fly around an estate in a pre-programmed building inspection path, or to monitor heat loss using thermal imaging – all without a drone operator. Hands-free technology is crucial amid increased difficulty in acquiring specialist staff to operate drones, and will help with undertaking regular structure and


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thermal monitoring during the present energy crisis.


An evolving picture Stepping up the size of drone technology, Blackspace Technology has developed a prototype casualty evacuation drone system. This innovative system sees the patient held securely and safely in a stretcher below a drone, while all their vital signs are monitored by ground paramedics via live audio and visual contact with the patient. Recently, Blackspace Technology approached the Midlands Aerospace Alliance’s (MAA) Aerospace Unlocking Potential (UP) Programme to further support the prototype’s development. Delivered by the University of Nottingham and the MAA, the Aerospace UP is a £20 m European Regional Development


Ambulance crews are using drones to speed up the assessment of major emergency incidents, and to locate missing people. Making such processes faster and more efficient is improving patient survival rates and the speed at which care can be delivered


October 2023 Health Estate Journal 95


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