PI: Sebastian Scherer
University: Carnegie Mellon University
Industry Partner: FLIR Systems
Medical emergencies in remote rural regions of Pennsylvania often occur far from urban areas, presenting delays in patient care. This project aims to leverage autonomous drones as first responders to bridge this distance gap and accelerate emergency response times. The team will develop a multi-modal, miniaturized sensor suite for aerial deployment that remotely monitors victim physiology, provides critical first aid supplies (e.g. defibrillators, tourniquets, bandages, etc.) to enable self-rescue and stabilization, and transmits decisive triage data to optimize paramedic dispatch. When combined with local 911 services, this emergency drone system is expected to significantly enhance trauma response compared to relying solely on delayed ground access, aiming to improve survival rates in remote areas. The project intends to have a substantial impact on the emergency services industry by demonstrating the life-saving potential of autonomous drone first responder technology. With appropriately cautious implementation, the solution can greatly augment emergency responsiveness across Pennsylvania's countryside.