Optimizing Emergency Medical Response Times Using Aed-Equipped Drones: A Case Study In Rural Portugal

Effective pre-hospital emergency medical response largely depends on intervention time. In cases of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA), particularly those caused by ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia, survival probability decreases significantly with each minute of delay in early defibrillation. This study analyses access to emergency medical equipment in Monta-legre, a rural municipality in northern Portugal characterized by low population density, territorial dispersion, and limited infrastructure. A spatial optimization approach was adopted, combining mathematical modelling, spatial analysis, and scenario-based simulations. Three scenarios were evaluated: (i) the current emergency response system, (ii) the integration of a complementary drone network, and (iii) a fully autonomous drone-based response model equipped with Automated Exter-nal Defibrillators (AEDs). Results demonstrate a significant reduction in response times by approx-imately 50% and achieved full coverage within 10 minutes, suggesting potential improvements in estimated survival rates. The findings highlight the potential of integrating drone technology into emergency medical systems to enhance operational efficiency and territorial equity, particularly in underserved regions.