RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Drone Delivery of Automated External Defibrillators to Lay Users (DAEDALUS): A Proof of Concept Study

This study, called DAEDALUS, is exploring a new way to get life-saving devices called Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) to people quickly. AEDs help restart a heart that has suddenly stopped beating, a condition known as cardiac arrest. Researchers are testing drones to deliver AEDs to people who are helping someone in cardiac arrest outside of a hospital, especially in homes where AEDs are not usually available. The goal is to make sure the drone delivery system works smoothly, from the emergency call to the AED reaching the patient. They also want to understand people's opinions about using drones for this important task, hoping to improve survival rates for cardiac arrest.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Surrey

Enrolment target

Start

03 Nov 2025

Estimated completion

27 Feb 2027

Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest

What is this study about?

When someone has a cardiac arrest, their heart suddenly stops pumping blood. This is a very serious emergency, and acting fast is incredibly important to save their life. In the UK, fewer than 10 out of every 100 people survive a cardiac arrest because it often takes too long to get them the right help. Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are machines that can deliver an electric shock to restart a heart in cardiac arrest. They are designed to be easy to use, even by people without medical training.

This study, called DAEDALUS, is looking into a clever new way to get AEDs to people much faster. Researchers are testing if drones can quickly deliver these life-saving devices to people who are helping someone having a cardiac arrest outside of a hospital, especially when it happens at home. Currently, most cardiac arrests happen at home where AEDs aren't readily available, which means survival rates are very low in these situations. Speed is key, as every minute without an AED reduces the chance of survival by about 10%.

The research has two main parts. First, they are creating and testing the whole drone delivery process, from when a 999 call is made to when the AED arrives. This involves working with emergency services, air traffic control, and drone operators. They’ll test this using training dummies at an aerodrome and gather feedback to make sure it works well. Second, they'll be talking to people – both those who have experienced a cardiac arrest themselves or in their family, and those who haven't – to understand their thoughts and feelings about using drones to deliver AEDs. This will help them make sure the system meets people's needs and addresses any concerns.

Key takeaways

Exploring drones to deliver life-saving AEDs for cardiac arrest.
Aims to improve survival rates by getting AEDs to patients faster.
Includes testing drone delivery systems and gathering public opinions.
Especially important for cardiac arrests happening at home.
Patient and public involvement is key throughout the study.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for different types of people to take part, depending on the stage of the research. For the part where they test the drone delivery process (Work Package 1), they need adults aged 18 or over. You'll need to be able to understand English spoken aloud and be physically able to practice CPR (chest compressions) and use an AED on a training dummy.

For the part where they talk to people (Work Package 2), they want to hear from a wide range of adults aged 18 or over. This includes people who have either personally experienced a cardiac arrest, or helped someone who did, such as family members or carers. They also want to speak to people who have no experience with cardiac arrests at all, to get a general public opinion. You'll need to be able to understand written or spoken English for these conversations.

There are also some reasons why you might not be able to take part. For Work Package 1, this includes being under 18, unable to do CPR, having thinking difficulties, being pregnant, or being a healthcare professional. For Work Package 2, you wouldn't be able to participate if you're under 18, unable to agree to take part, or if talking about cardiac arrest might cause you severe emotional upset.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Can you understand spoken English?
Can you comfortably perform CPR on a training dummy (for drone testing)?
Are you comfortable discussing thoughts on cardiac arrest and drones (for interviews)?
Are you NOT a healthcare professional (for drone testing)?
Do you feel you would NOT get very upset discussing cardiac arrest (for interviews)?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you take part in the drone testing (Work Package 1), you would go to Redhill Aerodrome for a testing session over one of four days. You would practice using an AED on a training manikin and help test how quickly and smoothly the drone delivery process works. The researchers will measure how long things take and ask for your feedback.

If you take part in the interviews (Work Package 2), you would have a conversation with the research team. This interview would explore your thoughts and feelings about drones delivering AEDs. The exact location and duration for these interviews are not specified, but they will involve either understanding spoken or written English.

The total duration of your participation will depend on which part of the study you are involved in – either a single testing session or an interview.

Potential risks and benefits

The potential benefit of this study is to help develop a system that could significantly improve survival rates for people who have a cardiac arrest outside of hospital, especially at home. By making AEDs more quickly available via drones, more lives could potentially be saved. As this is a design and interview study, the risks are expected to be very low. For the drone testing, you would be working with training equipment, not real patients. For the interviews, while discussing cardiac arrest could be sensitive, the researchers will ensure your comfort. You are always free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

University of Surrey
Verified postcode
Guildford, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is a cardiac arrest?

A cardiac arrest is when your heart suddenly stops beating, meaning blood stops flowing to your brain and other organs. It's a medical emergency.

What is an AED?

An AED (Automated External Defibrillator) is a portable device that can give an electric shock to the heart to help it restart during a cardiac arrest.

Why use drones to deliver AEDs?

Drones could deliver AEDs much faster than traditional methods, especially to homes, which could significantly increase survival rates from cardiac arrest.

What will happen if I take part in the drone testing?

You'll go to Redhill Aerodrome for a session to practice using an AED on a training dummy and help the researchers test how the drone delivery system works efficiently.

Will my privacy be protected in the interviews?

Yes, your information and opinions shared in the interviews will be kept confidential and used to understand public views on drone AED delivery.

How to find out more

Scott Munro, PhD

scott.munro@surrey.ac.uk +44 1483 686700 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.