A third player that can be added to the helicopter/drone teaming mix is the eVTOL, an electric VTOL aircraft capable of carrying one or more medics to an accident scene. As envisioned by Carl Dietrich, president and founder of the EMS eVTOL startup Jump Aero, these eVTOLs could form a “quick response medical bridge” distinct from drones and helicopters.
“EMS eVTOLs could be based at SAR posts, fire stations, and other first responder agencies,” Dietrich explained. “When a 911 dispatcher gets the call that requires advanced life support, the closest EMS eVTOL could be sent to the scene immediately. The EMS medic could treat them promptly and improve their condition while waiting for the ambulance or air ambulance helicopter to arrive.” Due to the eVTOL’s ability to quickly switch on and fly electrically, compared to the start-up time for a gas- powered helicopter, Dietrich estimates that the human medic response time to such incidents could be cut in half.
