The drone used in the trial and members of the team involved. Photo: Supplied by Vertilink
Researchers hope the quick responsiveness of a medical drone could save the lives of New Zealanders living in remote communities.
The trial, a partnership between drone company VertiLink, the University of Auckland and Ngāi Te Rangi Iwi, successfully delivered medical gear to Matakana Island last week during a simulated emergency at Te Kutaroa Marae in less than four minutes.
VertiLink chief executive Charlie Nelson told Nine to Noon, it was a groundbreaking milestone and offered new hope to the island's 500 residents.
Nelson said the trial was the product of two years of research and the objective had been to see how drones could be sued to benefit people living in isolated communities.
"We really wanted to look at what difference the response time would be between traditional medicines versus this new technology."
The simulated event included someone who had experienced a high trauma event, like a car crash, on the island, Nelson said.
"We looked at a high trauma event, high stakes and very narrow window of time for this person's outcome of survival. First responders were dispatched and so was the drone. It was about looking at the time difference and whether that made a difference in the outcome."
The drone could have a maximum take-off weight of 95kgs, Nelson said, and could carry up to 40kgs. It had a box attached underneath which could be filled with supplied and opened upon landing.
Matakana Island has about 500 residents. (File photo) Photo: WIKIMEDIA COMMONS / Ulanwp
Nelson said the drone also had the ability for a winch so the box could be winched from a height in cases where it couldn't land safely.
He said now they would continue to engage with communities and tailor it to their particular needs.
"It may not look like the same solution for other communities so we're continuing to engage with our research partners, community and iwi."
The drone could be used for emergency responses, Nelson said but also day-to-day health requirements on the island such as delivering prescriptions.
"We're looking at how efficient you can make these services so the cost profile [of going to the mainland for a script] is reduced."
Nelson said another possibility could be for people who had blood test requirements to have their tests shipped off by the drone.
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