Drone delivery of AEDs to bystanders for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest
Drone Delivery of Automated External Defibrillators to Lay Users (DAEDALUS): A Proof of Concept Study
This project will test whether drones can deliver AEDs quickly to bystanders helping someone who has a cardiac arrest outside a hospital.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 36 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Surrey Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Guildford, Surrey) |
| Trial ID | NCT07430813 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
DAEDALUS is a proof-of-concept observational project testing drone delivery of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to lay people responding to out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. The work includes hands-on simulation sessions where adult volunteers follow simulated emergency instructions, receive an AED by drone, and practise applying it to a training manikin, plus a second work package that recruits a purposefully sampled, diverse group for observation and feedback. Researchers will measure timing, safety, user ability to retrieve and apply the AED, and logistical or communication challenges from emergency call to AED use. The project is run at the University of Surrey in partnership with local ambulance and air ambulance services to reflect real-world operational workflows.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal participants are adults (18+) who can understand English and are physically able to perform CPR and apply an AED to a training manikin, with recruitment including people both with and without prior cardiac arrest experience.
Not a fit: People under 18, those unable to provide informed consent, non–English speakers, those with severe cognitive or physical limitations, pregnant people, or current healthcare professionals are excluded and would not receive benefit from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, drone delivery could shorten time to defibrillation and help more people survive out-of-hospital cardiac arrest by getting AEDs to bystanders faster.
How similar studies have performed: Small pilot projects and simulations in other settings have shown drone delivery of AEDs can be feasible and reduce delivery times, but it remains an early approach with limited evidence of improved survival outcomes.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Work Package 1 * Adults aged 18 years and older * Able to understand verbal explanations given in English * Physically able to perform CPR and apply a defibrillator to a training manikin * Work Package 2 * Purposeful sampling will recruit participants from diverse backgrounds, including those with and without OHCA experience. * Able to understand verbal explanations or written information given in English Exclusion Criteria: * Work Package 1 * Under 18 years of age * Unable to perform CPR * Severe cognitive impairments * Pregnant individuals * Healthcare professionals * Unable to understand verbal English sufficiently * Work Package 2 * Individuals under 18. * Unable to provide informed consent. * Experiencing severe psychological distress triggered by events surrounding cardiac arrest * Unable to understand or speak verbal or written information given in English
Where this trial is running
Guildford, Surrey
- University of Surrey — Guildford, Surrey, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Richard Lyon, Professor — University of Surrey
- Study coordinator: Scott Munro, PhD
- Email: scott.munro@surrey.ac.uk
- Phone: +44 1483 686700
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.