, the Swiss drone delivery company, has announced the addition of Medical Drone Service as a new operator using the advanced Eiger drone model to bolster healthcare services.
Medical Drone Service, a collaborative endeavour between ANWB Medical Air Assistance and PostNL Health, in partnership with leading healthcare institutions including Erasmus MC, Isala, Sanquin, Certe, Resultlab, Amsterdam UMC, St. Antonius, Accureon, and UMCG, is dedicated to exploring the integration of drones in healthcare delivery. With a shared vision of ensuring healthcare accessibility throughout the Netherlands, Medical Drone Service aims to expedite medical assistance and strengthen interconnectivity among healthcare facilities.
This initiative encompasses swift transportation of crucial medical supplies such as blood, medication, and diagnostic samples via drones, enabling rapid and efficient delivery to patients.
The introduction of the Eiger drone, distinguished by its yellow wings reminiscent of trauma helicopters, marks an expansion of the Medical Drone Services fleet, which now comprises three drones. This strategic enhancement comes in response to the growing demand for medical drone services, requiring the establishment of new operational routes beyond the initial Meppel-Zwolle corridor.
RigiTech has provided comprehensive training to the personnel of Medical Drone Service, equipping them with the expertise to effectively utilise the Eiger platform and navigate both hardware and software intricacies. Additionally, the manufacturer’s training program empowers operators with valuable insights into scaling medical drone operations, ensuring seamless integration into existing healthcare infrastructure.
The RigiTech Eiger boasts a payload capacity of 3 kilograms within a specially designed medical bag compartment, capable of accommodating up to 180 blood tubes, a minimum of 3 blood bags, or various medication types.
With a flight range of approximately 100 kilometres, the Eiger delivers unparalleled speed and efficiency in medical supply transportation. Notably, the inclusion of an onboard parachute system expands Medical Drone Service operational capabilities, facilitating flight over densely populated areas and supporting the initiative’s expansion efforts.
In the forthcoming months, Medical Drone Service will conduct testing procedures and inaugurate its maiden route, paving the way for operational deployment. This milestone represents a significant stride towards advancing healthcare accessibility and responsiveness, underscoring the transformative potential of drone technology in the medical domain.
Top Photo: Kevin Woensdregt (Training Manager Drones Medical Drone Service) & Simon Prent (Manager Drone Operations Medical Drone Service)
Source: Press Release