Normandy becomes the first region in France to integrate defibrillator-carrying drones directly into its emergency dispatch chain.
Everdrone’s Drone Emergency Medical Services (DEMS) program is now operational in Normandy, marking the first time France has integrated drone-delivered medical equipment into its formal emergency dispatch system. The deployment in the Forges-les-Eaux area enables automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to reach suspected cardiac arrest cases within minutes—often before an ambulance can arrive.
A New Step for Drone-Supported Emergency Care in France
The system operates in close collaboration with regional emergency dispatch centers (SAMU). When a suspected cardiac arrest call comes in, dispatchers can send a drone carrying an AED directly to the location. Early access to a defibrillator is vital. Survival rates fall by about 7 to 10 percent for every minute without defibrillation, which makes fast delivery critical.
By reducing time to first intervention, Everdrone’s DEMS program targets one of the most important moments in the chain of survival. The approach has already proven effective in Sweden, where DEMS has been operational since 2022. Those results helped shape the system now in use in Normandy.
“Having our system now used in live emergency calls in Normandy demonstrates how quickly DEMS technology can create tangible value. Together with our regional partners, we are taking an important step toward giving more patients life-saving support several minutes earlier than is possible today,” says Mats Sällström, CEO of Everdrone.
A Regional Collaboration Focused on Faster Response
The launch is the result of a long-term effort led by SAMU in Rouen. Medical Director Dr. Cédric Damm saw early potential for drone-supported intervention in cardiac arrest cases. SAMU partnered with Delivrone, a major medical drone operator in France, and later with Everdrone to build an integrated system adapted to French emergency response workflows.
Implementation in Normandy includes collaboration with Delivrone, CHU Rouen Normandie, Région Normandie, and the Municipality of Forges-les-Eaux. Together, these groups aim to shorten response times and improve outcomes for out-of-hospital cardiac arrests.
“In cases of cardiac arrest, every minute is critical, and the ability to place an AED on-site several minutes earlier can directly influence a patient’s chance of survival. By integrating Everdrone’s DEMS system into our dispatch chain, we gain a valuable complement that strengthens our ability to act quickly in the most time-sensitive situations. The project in Normandy shows that drone deliveries can become a natural and effective part of the emergency medical care of the future,” says Dr. Cédric Damm, Medical Director, SAMU 76 Rouen.
Building on Proven International Experience
Everdrone’s DEMS platform is already known for safe urban operations and regulatory compliance. The company has delivered AEDs in live cases in Sweden and has received global attention for the first documented drone-delivered save. Its technology also provides real-time video support to dispatchers, giving emergency teams better situational awareness.
With the launch in Normandy, Everdrone continues its expansion across Europe. The deployment represents both a technological milestone and a shift toward broader use of drones in healthcare logistics.
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Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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