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Can drones save lives and money? An economic evaluation of airborne delivery of automated external defibrillators

Author

Listed:
  • Johann W. A. Röper

    (University of Greifswald)

  • Katharina Fischer

    (University of Greifswald)

  • Mina Carolina Baumgarten

    (University of Greifswald)

  • Karl Christian Thies

    (EvKB, Bielefeld University Hospitals)

  • Klaus Hahnenkamp

    (University of Greifswald)

  • Steffen Fleßa

    (University of Greifswald)

Abstract

Background Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is one of the most frequent causes of death in Europe. Emergency medical services often struggle to reach the patient in time, particularly in rural areas. To improve outcome, early defibrillation is required which significantly increases neurologically intact survival. Consequently, many countries place Automated External Defibrillators (AED) in accessible public locations. However, these stationary devices are frequently not available out of hours or too far away in emergencies. An innovative approach to mustering AED is the use of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), which deliver the device to the scene. Methods This paper evaluates the economic implications of stationary AED versus airborne delivery using scenario-based cost analysis. As an example, we focus on the rural district of Vorpommern-Greifswald in Germany. Formulae are developed to calculate the cost of stationary and airborne AED networks. Scenarios include different catchment areas, delivery times and unit costs. Results UAS-based delivery of AEDs is more cost-efficient than maintaining traditional stationary networks. The results show that equipping cardiac arrest hot spots in the district of Vorpommern-Greifswald with airborne AEDs with a response time

Suggested Citation

  • Johann W. A. Röper & Katharina Fischer & Mina Carolina Baumgarten & Karl Christian Thies & Klaus Hahnenkamp & Steffen Fleßa, 2023. "Can drones save lives and money? An economic evaluation of airborne delivery of automated external defibrillators," The European Journal of Health Economics, Springer;Deutsche Gesellschaft für Gesundheitsökonomie (DGGÖ), vol. 24(7), pages 1141-1150, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:eujhec:v:24:y:2023:i:7:d:10.1007_s10198-022-01531-0
    DOI: 10.1007/s10198-022-01531-0
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    1. Johann Röper & Markus Krohn & Steffen Fleßa & Karl-Christian Thies, 2020. "Costing of helicopter emergency services- a strategic simulation based on the example of a German rural region," Health Economics Review, Springer, vol. 10(1), pages 1-15, December.
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