The Use of Drones in the Area of Minimizing Health Risk during the COVID-19 Epidemic

Abstract

Despite their general availability, drones are not currently widely used in emergency medicine, distribution of medication and other medical products, as well as in epidemiological emergencies, in which limiting interpersonal contact is crucial for minimizing the public health risk. Given the current epidemiological situation, it is pertinent to consider, whether implementing activities with the use of drones can significantly contribute to minimizing health risks, and whether such initiatives are acceptable in the light of applicable legal regulations. The main objective is supported by an analysis of the usefulness of applicable provisions, indicating the direction of possible changes in existing legal regulations. Additionally, the article aims to demonstrate the feasibility of drone use in activities related to combating epidemics, as well as to emphasize their practical importance. Reports on the commercial use of drones in the distribution of goods and services have also been used as material for comprehensive analysis. Simultaneously, the article also includes data on quantities of equipment available to healthcare units in Poland for saving life and health. The present work uses the method of analysis of applicable legal regulations, as a criterion for the usefulness of existing solutions in the area of improving the quality of medical services, including preventive measures and combating the effects of an epidemic.

Challenges for the Routine Application of Drones in Healthcare: A Scoping Review

“…The only study among those reviewed focusing on the regulatory framework is a retrospective data analysis by Król-Całkowska and Walczak [85]. This research evaluated the provisions outlined in Polish and EU regulations regarding the permissibility of utilizing drones in airspace to protect public health aimed at identifying potential modifications to existing laws and demonstrates the feasibility of drone implementation for these purposes.…”