Drones have become increasingly popular in recent years. We’re seeing more and more videos with beautiful footage, but the flying devices also seem to be a great invention for product delivery. According to a recent pilot study, they’re also a solution for delivering PPEs.
People want more drone deliveries
The article “Exploratory Pilot Study Engages Community Health Workers to Test Drone-Based Package Delivery System for Personal Protective Equipment in High-Risk Appalachia Population” was recently published in Health Promotion Practice. This pilot study is a collaboration between the University of Kentucky’s Center of Excellence in Rural Health (CERH) in Hazard, the U.S. Drone Port, and Kentucky Homeplace, a community health worker (CHW) program that is part of CERH.
During this trial, which was conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, the effectiveness of PPE delivery using drones was studied. People in Eastern Kentucky who belonged to the high-risk group received masks, gloves, and disinfectants this way. The drones were specially adapted for the delivery of PPEs during the trial, which ultimately made the project a success. Around 80% of participants found the drone delivery pleasant. The process of ordering and receiving was experienced as easy, and the majority would prefer to receive their PPE this way again.
Hospitals receive PPE via drones
This was not the only trial with drones during the pandemic. At the beginning of the pandemic, Scotland used drones, provided by drone specialists Skyports, to supply PPE to the Argyll and Bute region. Because many people in this 6,475 square kilometer region live remotely or on islands, drones turned out to be a good solution. They were able to cover 64 kilometers per hour and carry up to 3 kilograms of products.
Since drones are not affected by heavy traffic, they are faster and more affordable. Research showed that PPE delivery times were reduced from 48 hours to 30 minutes, resulting in a 95% cost saving. Skyports now has a partnership with Royal Mail through which they provide mail delivery from the mainland to the Scottish islands of Graemsay and Hoy.
More possibilities with drones
Not only civilians and hospitals benefit from PPE delivery via drones—it’s also proven valuable in the military. It has become so important that combat medics from the Oregon National Guard are now being trained to deliver medical supplies this way. But this is not always easy. After all, few environments are as unpredictable as a war zone.
It’s clear that drones will become increasingly important in the future for PPE delivery. For producers, the main challenge will lie in packaging. While efficient packaging is already important, it may soon play a crucial role when there’s more competition among providers. After all, a drone can only carry a few kilos. The question is: who will be able to fit the most PPE inside?
