UAV Med Delivery
Problem statement
The emergency medical services (EMS) system in rural Wisconsin is facing a crisis, and at the heart of it are the people suffering due to slow response times and staffing shortages. In life-threatening situations, such as cardiac arrest, every second counts. For those living in remote areas, the fear and helplessness of waiting for help to arrive can be overwhelming, as current EMS systems struggle to meet the critical demands of these regions. In fact, 41% of EMS agencies reported that they experienced periods in their schedule where they lacked adequate staffing to respond to an ambulance request [1], leaving people in dire situations without timely care. The impact of these gaps in service is further heightened by the fact that 78% of EMS agencies have responded to mutual aid requests from other agencies struggling with their own staffing issues [1]. These delays in emergency care not only put lives at risk but deepen the anxiety and vulnerability felt by families and communities who depend on rapid intervention. Our senior design project recognizes the human element at stake and seeks to provide a solution that prioritizes speed, efficiency, and life-saving care. We propose a drone-based medical supply delivery system that can transport essential medical devices like AEDs and trauma kits to emergency scenes in a fraction of the time it currently takes for EMS to arrive. Imagine the relief of knowing that life-saving tools are being flown directly to those in need, offering a vital lifeline while EMS crews are still en route. One potential counterargument is that drones may not always be reliable due to adverse weather conditions or technological malfunctions, which could delay delivery at critical moments. However, advancements in modern drone technology have led to increased reliability, with drones designed to withstand various environmental factors and equipped with fail-safe mechanisms. Additionally, compared to the significant investments required to build new EMS stations or increase staffing in rural areas, drones offer a cost-effective and scalable solution for bridging the gap in emergency response. By utilizing readily available drone technology, combined with a specially designed secure and efficient carrying system, our project aims to create a working prototype that addresses these concerns and improves the reliability of EMS in rural areas. This system will not only enhance emergency response times but also bring peace of mind to communities often overlooked by traditional systems. Our proof of concept could revolutionize emergency care in Wisconsin, offering hope for faster, more reliable interventions in moments of crisis when every second truly matters. Reference: [1] The Reliability of Wisconsin’s 911 Ambulance Response. (2023).
Team members
Reese Highbloom – facilitator
Connor Keenan – communicator
Chris Wilmoth – accountant
Carter Schreiber – admin