An evaluation of naloxone transit for opioid overdose using drones: A case study using real-world coroner data

Original research
by
Royall, Paul G. et al

Release Date

2023

Geography

UK

Language of Resource

English

Full Text Available

Yes

Open Access / OK to Reproduce

Yes

Peer Reviewed

Yes

Objective

Our aim was to evaluate the feasibility of naloxone transit via drone to provide rapid access at the point of care.

Findings/Key points

This study provides proof-of-concept that, in the Teesside area of the UK, drones are more likely than ambulance to get naloxone to the site of an opioid overdose in 7 min.

Design/methods

The original locations of opioid overdoses were used to compare the projected response times of ambulances with that of drones when considering the impacts of actual traffic and weather conditions, respectively; 58 cases were identified where a bystander—who could have called for and administered emergency naloxone—was likely present.

Keywords

Digital health
Overdose