Bystander interaction with a novel multipurpose medical drone: A simulation trial

Abstract

Intro: Medical drones are an emerging technology which may facilitate rapid treatment in time-sensitive emergencies. However, drones rely on lay rescuers, whose interactions with multipurpose medical drones have not been studied, and the optimal drone design remains unclear.

Methods: We conducted 24 simulations of adult out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) and pediatric anaphylaxis with a prototype drone equipped with spoken and visual cues and a multipurpose medical kit. 24 layperson volunteers encountered one of the two scenarios and were supported through administering treatment by a simulated 911 dispatcher. Bystander-drone interactions were evaluated via a convergent parallel mixed methods approach using surveys, video event review, and semi-structured interviews.

Results: 83% (20/24) of participants voiced comfort interacting with the drone. 96% (23/24) were interested in future interaction. Participants appreciated the drone's spoken instructions but found visual cues confusing. Participants retrieved the medical kit from the drone in a mean of 5 seconds (range 2-14) of drone contact; 79% (19/24) found this step easy or very easy. The medical kit's layered design caused difficulty in retrieving appropriate equipment. Participants expressed a wide range of reactions to the unique drone design.

Conclusions: Laypeople can effectively and comfortably interact with a medical drone with a novel design. Feedback on design elements will result in further refinements and valuable insights for other drone designers. A multipurpose medical kit created more challenges and indicates the need for further refinement to facilitate use of the equipment.

Keywords: Anaphylaxis; Bystander CPR; Drones; Emergency Medical Services; Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest.

Fig. 1

Four part figure with the drone images and the two views of the medical kit. (A, B) 3D rendering of the drone model used in the simulations. Its height and wingspan are each about 1.25 meters. It features Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-standard green and red navigation lighting on the wingtips, as well as extra safety lighting and an aural warning system. During landing, these lights flash and a voice command directs: “Landing. Stay Back.” When safe for bystander approach, the navigation lights turn white, and the voice command directs: “Medical emergency drone safe. Pull handle. Swing open door. Grab handle and remove medical kit.” (C, D) 3D rendering of the drone-portable medical kit in closed and open configurations. The kit contains personal protective equipment (gloves, surgical face mask); automated external defibrillator (AED); CPR breathing mask; epinephrine auto-injector; Intranasal (IN) naloxone; Tourniquet; Hemostatic gauze; gauze roll; albuterol inhaler; Intranasal glucagon; chewable aspirin; Pulse oximeter; Trauma shears; Razor; tape.

Fig. 1

Four part figure with the drone images and the two views of the medical kit. (A, B) 3D rendering of the drone model used in the simulations. Its height and wingspan are each about 1.25 meters. It features Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-standard green and red navigation lighting on the wingtips, as well as extra safety lighting and an aural warning system. During landing, these lights flash and a voice command directs: “Landing. Stay Back.” When safe for bystander approach, the navigation lights turn white, and the voice command directs: “Medical emergency drone safe. Pull handle. Swing open door. Grab handle and remove medical kit.” (C, D) 3D rendering of the drone-portable medical kit in closed and open configurations. The kit contains personal protective equipment (gloves, surgical face mask); automated external defibrillator (AED); CPR breathing mask; epinephrine auto-injector; Intranasal (IN) naloxone; Tourniquet; Hemostatic gauze; gauze roll; albuterol inhaler; Intranasal glucagon; chewable aspirin; Pulse oximeter; Trauma shears; Razor; tape.