Simulating Drone-Enhanced Emergency Medical Services

Abstract

This thesis explores how simulation can support the development and adoption of Drone-Enhanced Emergency Medical Services (DEMS), with a specific focus on improving early situational awareness (SA) among Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) coordinators. In collaboration with Everdrone AB, a simulator was designed to replicate the LiveView system used in real emergencies, enabling users to engage in scenario-based training without real-world risks. The simulator includes common emergency scenarios, such as a traffic accident, a building fire, and an automated external defibrillator (AED) delivery, and was developed using principles of interaction design, telepresence, and simulation-based learning. An evaluation through interviews with stakeholders in the field highlights the simulator’s value in enhancing decision-making, SA, and preparedness. The results suggest that simulated DEMS can facilitate training, inform future system development, and contribute to safer and more effective emergency response strategies.