Drone814 is a groundbreaking US Department of Transportation-sponsored pilot program using drone technology to deliver life-saving medical supplies directly to the scene of an emergency—often before traditional first responders arrive. Designed for the rural and mountainous areas of southwestern Pennsylvania, this initiative aims to reduce emergency response times, improve survival rates, and serve as a model for communities across the country.
Early Action, Better Outcomes: Drone814 serves as a force multiplier, getting vital tools into the hands of bystanders or community members to help stabilize the patient in those first crucial minutes.
Purpose
In many parts of the Southern Alleghenies, ambulance response times can exceed 25 minutes due to distance, terrain, or limited EMS resources. Drone814 was created to bridge that critical gap—especially in emergencies like opioid overdoses, cardiac arrests, and severe allergic reactions where every second counts. By delivering EPIPENS, automated external defibrillators (AEDs), and other essential treatments ahead of EMS, drones provide vital early intervention when it’s needed most.
Who’s Behind It
Drone814 is led by the Southern Alleghenies Planning & Development Commission (SAP&DC) and supported by a coalition of public and private partners including:
- Aerium
- Cambria County Emergency Services
- Saint Francis University
- DroneUp
- And other committed stakeholders
The project is funded by a $1.92 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s SMART Grants Program, which supports forward-thinking projects that use technology to improve safety, access, and equity in transportation.
How It Works
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Step 1: 911
Call Received
An emergency is reported through the 911 system—such as a suspected overdose or cardiac arrest.
Step 2:
Drone Dispatched
If the situation warrants, a Drone814 unit, guided by a professionally trained commercial drone pilot, GPS, and ground sensors, is launched and begins flying to the scene.
Step 3: Medical Supplies Delivered
The drone arrives within minutes, delivering critical medical supplies like EpiPens, AEDs, and Narcan.
Step 4: First Responders Arrive
EMS teams arrive shortly after to provide advanced care, building on the initial life-saving efforts.