Disaster drones carry doctors in a package

In the event of a disaster, the need for medical assistance is immediate but can face obstacles that are difficult to predict. Researchers have developed new drones capable of delivering telemedical packages to disaster areas.

Developed by Italo Subbarao, DO, senior associate dean at William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine (WCUCOM) in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and Guy Paul Cooper Jr., a fourth year medical student at WCUCOM, the Telemedical Drone Project was started after a tornado devastated a Mississippi town. The researchers developed an ambulance drone capable of supporting victims and rescuing people in the event of a mass shooting, bombing or other attack.

"Reaching the victims is the critical challenge in these situations. As an osteopathic physician, my goal was to find ways to help save lives. A medical drone is the bridge that delivers life-saving treatment directly to the victims, giving remote physicians eyes, ears and voice to instruct anyone on site," said Subbarao.

In a simulated disaster event, two disaster drones were able to deliver telemedical packages to victims. The packages contain a video screen where a physician can direct treatment to victims. They also include a Google Glass for a person to keep the doctors in view while administering treatment.

"These drones have impressive lift and distance capability, and can be outfitted with a variety of sensors, such as infrared, to help locate victims," said Dennis Lott, director of the unmanned aerial vehicle program at Hinds Community College. "Working together, we're able to develop, test, and bring this technology to the field. It is just a matter of time before the drones are universally adopted for emergency and disaster response toolkits."