Drones to be tested for use by ambulance crews

First responders will test the use of drones to help sick or injured people this fall in an initiative that could see the remote-controlled devices added to emergency kits nationwide. The trials in Kyushu will involve medics flying medicines, defibrillators and other medical supplies to places where airborne delivery will be faster than on land. "Drones add more options for rescuers to reach patients," said project leader Yusuke Enjoji, an official in the Saga Prefectural Government. Enjoji is CEO of the group behind the project, the Emergency Medical and Disaster Coping Automated Drones Support System Utilization Promotion Council, or Edac. Trials will involve flights at a Kyushu University campus in Fukuoka and locations in Saga.