Background Early cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) can increase 30-day survival from 10% up to 70%. An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) might have a role in transporting an AED to the site of an OHCA. The aim of this experimental study was to describe the potential benefit of an UAV system for delivery of an AED in a rural environment. Materials and methods Optimal placement and response times for AED equipped UAV were calculated using GIS-models based on two weighting alternatives. UAV delivery testflights were performed using three different techniques. Results All OHCA cases with a cardiac aetiology n = 7923 in Stockholm county 2006-2013 were analyzed. Ten optimal locations with a 10 km radius in the greater Stockholm area were identified for implementation of UAV systems. With a simulated 50/50 weighting n = 7905 cases were found primarily in the city centre. The UAV arrived before EMS in 32% of cases with a mean timesaving of 1.5 min. With a simulated 80/20 weighting including n = 134 OHCA cases in primarily remote areas, the UAV arrived before EMS in 93% of cases with a mean timesaving of 19 min. Delivery of the AED in testflights n = 14 was successful in favourable conditions within sight primarily by latch-released technique or by landing the UAV on flat ground. Conclusions By using GIS models optimal placement of UAV systems can be calculated. These locations might in the future significantly reduce time to defibrillation and serve as a complement to EMS services. A4 Prehospital patient safety incidentsa description based on a national mandatory reporting system

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