People are finding new ways to help emergency and disaster victims on-site, where cars or helicopters can't get or it takes them too long. Drones are taking their leap into the rescue field. Dr. Subbarao, senior associate dean at William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine, and a medical student are developing two disaster drones, to reach the emergency sites fast and deliver "telemedical" assistance to the victims. "Immediate communications with the victims and reaching them rapidly with aid are both critical to improve outcomes" says Subbarao. There are also other medical drones all ready in use. A company called Zipline is delivering blood and drugs to remote hospitals and clinics in Rwanda, Africa. Many of the hospitals can order medicine and it arrives within 30 minutes. However, there are a lot of strict regulations that prevent the full success of medical drones. For example the drone has to be with in eye sight, which is not helpful when the emergency site is miles away.
I think that drones can be a massive help with these situations. They might not be the best at this point, but after a bit of developing and designing that can be really helpful. Imagine that a drone could save your life when the emergency personnel can't get to you fast enough! I think the drone companies and the officials should make their own regulations for medical help. I think this is an important thing that should be allowed to succeed.
1. Do you think that drones would be a good idea to help with emergency situations? Why or why not?
2. Do you think that the strict regulations put on drones should be more loose when they are used for medical situations and equipment? Explain.
Read more about the telemedical drones here.
In the picture: Zipline drones and staff
Replies
Great job overall but all of your comments were on the same day. You should comment on three different days.
Yes it would be a good idea because it can save lots of lives and could go in more hard to reach places. Yes because it is making life more safe and is not endangering a pilot by making them fly in dangerous conditions.
Yes! it would be a great idea, it would save so many lives by getting supplies in hard to reach locations in a short amount of time. I understand why there are regulations in the first place. But considering that most of the accidents happen a long way away, i think they should be more loose.
You are right. Do you think other drone users would want their restrictions loosened as well, for example movie makers with drones? Do you think the restrictions should be equal to all drone users?
I think drones would be a good idea in emergency situations because they are quick and efficient vehicles. I think it would be difficult for a drone to carry enough equipment for a specific emergency. The drones could save someones life and I wouldn't want any laws to interfere.
I agree. What do you think the drones should carry with them? Do you think it could be easy to hack the drones and steal it or something like that? I bet some people with bad intentions could be very interested in these kind of drones.
I think they would because drones can get to an area a lot faster than humans. I think they should definitely be less strict when dealing with medical drones. This could potentially save someones life. You wouldn't want laws to interfere.
That's true. Do you think the drones should also have drugs on to help with pain? Would you be surprised if you got into an emergency and suddenly a drone appears on the scene with all these supplies?
I think they are a very good idea in emergency situations when its in an area hard to get to quickly, because time is always important in emergency situations when somebody's life is at risk. I think they need less regulations in order to become more successful in emergency situations, because when they have to be in eyes sight that can be very restrictive in these situations.
I agree. Do you think that a camera and a receiver would be necessary for the drones so medical personnel can get eyes on the scene fast? That might be an issue to some people.
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