Drone Utilisation in Medical Emergency Deliveries: The TAMK Case
About this good practice
The practice addresses the challenge of delivering medical emergency supplies quickly, especially where traditional methods face delays due to geographical barriers. In a case study by Tampere University of Applied Sciences (TAMK), an emergency required rapid delivery of a defibrillator across Lake Näsijärvi, from Tampere to Ylöjärvi. Traditional methods would have taken 45 minutes due to the lake. However, using a drone, TAMK delivered the defibrillator in just seven minutes, showcasing the efficiency and reliability of drone logistics in critical medical emergencies.
The practice achieves its objectives by reducing delivery times, bypassing geographical barriers, and contributing to environmental sustainability. Implementation involves strategic planning, coordination with emergency services, regulatory compliance, and advanced technology. Training programs for drone operators and public education campaigns are essential for success. The drone transported the defibrillator from a logistic service point to the emergency site, providing timely medical assistance.
Main stakeholders include TAMK, emergency services, and regulatory bodies.
Beneficiaries are patients needing urgent medical assistance and the broader healthcare system, which benefits from improved efficiency and reliability in medical logistics. This operation's success highlights the potential for drones to revolutionize medical logistics, providing a model for other regions and institutions to follow.
Resources needed
Drone system for piloting purposes approx. 10 000 EUR
Fly service cost, including permissions range 8000 - 10 000 EUR
Piloting arrangements range 2000 – 5000 EUR
Expert consulting and documentation 2000 – 3000 EUR
Evidence of success
Drones can significantly reduce medical logistics delivery times, seven minutes with drone compared to 45 minutes by car which is vital in emergency situations where every minute counts. The ability to bypass geographical barriers, such as large bodies of water, further enhances their effectiveness. The drone is significantly more environmentally friendly, emitting only 4.95 g of CO2 (avg. 1,5kwh/100km) compared to the car's 6.72 kg (avg. 140g/km), in compliance with Tampere Region CO2 goals.
Potential for learning or transfer
The potential for learning or transfer of the TAMK drone case is significant. This case demonstrates how drones can revolutionize medical logistics by providing rapid and reliable delivery of emergency medical supplies, even in challenging geographical conditions. The success of this operation highlights the importance of strategic planning, regulatory compliance, and advanced technology in implementing drone logistics.
Other regions and institutions can learn from TAMK's experience by adopting similar practices, such as comprehensive training programs for drone operators and public education campaigns. The broader application of drones in medical logistics, as also demonstrated by Zipline in Rwanda, further underscores the potential for improving healthcare supply chains and ensuring reliable access to medical products in remote areas.
Good practice owner
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