The Future of Emergency Response: Drones Take to the Skies

In the world of emergency response, every second counts. For every minute an automated external defibrillator is delayed, the survival rate of a person in cardiac arrest decreases by 10%. This stark reality highlights the importance of getting lifesaving medical supplies from point A to point B as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Drone technology is revolutionizing emergency response

At the Aerium Summit, industry leaders, stakeholders, experts, and students gathered to explore innovative opportunities and immerse themselves in new and existing technology. The summit demonstrated the power of collaboration, with students learning about careers in the aviation and aerospace fields and exhibitors showcasing their latest innovations.

Lt. Gov. Austin Davis, a keynote speaker at the event, emphasized the importance of cultivating relationships between students, educational institutions, and the aviation and aerospace industries. He highlighted the Shapiro-Davis administration’s commitment to advancing the state’s aviation and aerospace industries, which contribute billions to the economy and employ thousands of people.

“You’re all creating a workforce of the future,” Davis said, adding that the administration is “competitive” with neighboring states like Ohio and West Virginia.

One of the most exciting developments showcased at the summit was the use of drones in emergency response. Art Martynuska, executive director of the Cambria County Emergency Management Agency, presented a simulation demonstrating the effectiveness of drones in delivering lifesaving medical supplies. In the simulation, a drone reached the destination about 30 seconds faster than a traditional vehicle.

Drones can fly up to 400 feet in the air at a rate of 35 miles per hour

Currently, emergency service personnel use drones to deliver medical supplies to the scene faster than emergency response teams. However, they are limited to a three-mile radius of the caller’s location. The goal is to have a system in place next year that will allow drones to fly beyond a visual line of sight, reaching people at greater distances.

The potential of drone technology is vast, and the Aerium Summit highlighted the importance of investing in this industry. As State Sen. Wayne Langerholc said, “The sky is the limit here. This can be a multibillion-dollar industry for our region that will not only help our residents and save lives but also employ individuals in family-sustaining jobs.”

The Aerium Summit brings together industry leaders and stakeholders to explore innovative opportunities