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Drone-Delivered AEDs for Cardiac Arrest in Rural Areas

This study is exploring a new way to get automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to people experiencing sudden cardiac arrest (when the heart suddenly stops beating) in rural areas. The researchers are testing a program called "DFR AED Pilot Program" which uses drones to deliver AEDs faster than traditional emergency services. The main goal is to see if drones can deliver AEDs quickly enough to potentially improve survival rates for these emergencies. You might be able to join if you are 18 or older and experience a non-traumatic cardiac arrest before 911 responders arrive. The study will measure how much faster drones can deliver AEDs compared to law enforcement, fire, or EMS services, over a period of 15 months.

Study design
This interventional study plans to enroll 128 participants. It is designed to integrate AED drone delivery into existing drone-as-first-responder programs.
What's involved
Not specified in the trial record.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
The study will measure time differences at 6 months and 15 months.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT06229418

Developing and Testing Drone-Delivered AEDs for Cardiac Arrests In Rural America

Recruiting
NAAges 18+InterventionalHealth services
Duke University
~128 participants
Updated 2026-05-14 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:DFR AED Pilot Program

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Time interval difference between AED arrival of drones versus law/fire/EMS arrival to the OCHA scene
Measured over 6 months (Aim 3a)
+1 more outcome measured

Conditions

Cardiac Arrest
Sudden Cardiac Arrest

Explore related trials

Cardiac Arrest

Where it's being run

1 sites across 1 states
North Carolina1

Study leadership

  • Monique Starks, MD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Duke University
  • Daniel Mark, MD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Duke University
  • Joseph Ornato, MD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Virginia Commonwealth University

Who to contact

Leo Brothers, MPH
[email protected]
919-641-3555
Email the study team

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Do you actually qualify for this trial?

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Patients 18 years of age or older in the CARES registry who suffer cardiac arrest before arrival of a 911-responder of non-traumatic cause, including patients who receive an AED shock by a bystander prior to the arrival of 911 responders.

Exclusion

Patients in the CARES registry who have a traumatic cause of cardiac arrest.

What this trial measures

  • Time interval difference between AED arrival of drones versus law/fire/EMS arrival to the OCHA scene6 months (Aim 3a)
  • Time interval difference between AED arrival of drones versus law/fire/EMS arrival to the OCHA scene15 months (Aim 3c)