Every Saved Minute
Saves Lives
Each year, more than 350,000 individuals experience a life-threatening event known as sudden cardiac arrest in the United States. It is one of the leading causes of death, with only 8-10% of victims surviving to hospital discharge. Survival in rural regions is even lower at 6-8% ref.
Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart stops beating properly. It is different from a heart attack. Watch this quick video to learn more about the differences between cardiac arrest and heart attack.
Death will occur within minutes if cardiac arrest victims do not receive appropriate treatment. Manual Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) or an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) can help restart the heart. But it must be done fast.
8-10 Minutes
Average time it takes emergency responders to reach most cardiac arrest patients ref.
1 Minute
Each 1-minute delay in treatment leads to 10% reduction in survival ref.
70%
Of patients do not receive timely defibrillation ref.
CPR/AED
Prompt treatment through CPR and/or AED, can increase survival chances ref.
Using drones has great potential to rapidly increase the delivery of AEDs to bystanders in an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.
How to use an AED
Forsyth County
North Carolina
Forsyth County is one of the first locations in the U.S. to pilot drones to deliver life-saving AEDs during out-of-hospital cardiac events. Partnering with its county Sheriff's Office, Emergency Services, and local health officials, Forsyth County is leading the way toward faster emergency cardiac care.
James City County
Virginia
James City County, VA is preparing for its AED drone pilot study in partnership with county emergency services. Launch is expected in 2025.