Medical Drone Pilot Program
Peel Regional Paramedic Services is always looking for new ways to support our community and help save lives.
Starting in summer 2026, we’re launching a medical drone pilot program that will deliver life-saving tools, including automated external defibrillators (AEDs), epinephrine auto-injectors (EpiPens), and essential medications, directly to people in need.
This pilot program is especially important for residents in rural, remote, and Indigenous communities, where access to critical equipment may not be readily available.
Our goal is simple: to best support you while paramedics are on their way. By improving access to these essential tools, we aim to give people the best possible chance of survival.
Why this matters
In emergencies such as sudden cardiac arrest, opioid overdose, or severe allergic reactions, every second counts.
Getting help even a few minutes sooner can make a life-saving difference. Medical drones may be able to reach someone faster than paramedics in an ambulance, giving bystanders the tools they need to act immediately, with guidance from trained paramedics and emergency dispatchers.
What this means for you
- You will always get paramedics. Drones are an added support. They do not replace emergency responders.
- Faster access to help. Drones can bring critical equipment to you while paramedics are on the way.
- Support every step of the way. A paramedic will talk to you over a phone, guiding you on how to use the equipment until paramedics arrive.
- Pilot phase. Between July and December 2026, you may have a drone dispatched to your home if you call 911 for a time-sensitive emergency. This will depend on location, timing, weather, and availability. The 911 communications operator will tell you if a drone has been dispatched.
- You may see drones in your community. Residents in Caledon may notice drones in the sky starting in June 2026.
Building on research
The foundation of this pilot program dates back to 2017, when Peel Regional Paramedic Services joined a research study led by Dr. Sheldon Cheskes, Medical Director at the Sunnybrook Centre for Prehospital Medicine.
Often referred to as “AED on the Fly,” this study looks at whether drones can safely and effectively deliver AEDs to bystanders assisting someone experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. The study also focuses on supporting rural, remote, and Indigenous communities across Ontario. These are areas where geography can limit timely access to critical equipment such as automated external defibrillators.
Today, we continue to contribute to this work, bringing that research closer to real-world use in Peel.
How you can help
We are committed to supporting residents during the critical moments before paramedics arrive.
If you call 911 for a medical emergency and a drone arrives, please use it. A paramedic will talk to you over the phone, guiding you every step of the way until help arrives.
Questions or concerns
Updates will be shared as the pilot program progresses. Residents can contact Peel Regional Paramedic Services with questions, concerns, or to share feedback and experiences with the pilot program.
The drone works similarly to a public access defibrillator (PAD) or a first-aid kit. Instead of you going to retrieve it, the equipment is flown directly to you before paramedics arrive.
The program is operated entirely by Peel Regional Paramedic Services, the same organization that provides 911paramedic service.
There are no third-party or commercial operators involved.
Why use drones
Even with quick ambulance response times, factors such as traffic, distance, geography, and rural road networks can cause delays. During cardiac arrest, survival decreases by about seven to 10% for every minute without defibrillation.
Research from similar programs shows drones can arrive minutes before ambulances. The drone does not replace paramedics; it helps bridge the gap until they arrive.
How the drone responds to an emergency
When a qualifying 911 call is received:
- A paramedic crew is dispatched as usual.
- If the location is within the service area and conditions are safe, the drone is launched at the same time.
- The drone travels to the scene while paramedics respond by road.
- The drone may arrive first and deliver a medical package that can then be used with guidance.
Emergencies the drone may respond to
The drone may be used for time-sensitive emergencies, including:
- Cardiac arrest (AED delivery)
- Suspected opioid overdose (naloxone)
- Severe bleeding
- Allergic reactions, anaphylaxis (epinephrine auto-injector)
Supplies the drone carries
The delivery package may include:
- Automated external defibrillator (AED)
- Naloxone (Narcan)
- Bleeding control supplies
- Epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen)
No training is needed to use the automated external defibrillator (AED). Anyone can use it. Once the package is opened, a dispatcher or paramedic will guide you step by step by phone or video.
You cannot harm someone by trying to help. There are no legal consequences for trying to assist. Any action is better than no action, and a dispatcher will guide you in real time. Good Samaritan protections apply when you provide emergency assistance.
The drone generally hovers and lowers the package into a safe, open area. A clear space of about 5 metres in diameter is needed, such as a driveway, yard, or open space.
Your property
If an emergency occurs at or near your location, the drone will only use safe, open areas and will avoid unnecessary intrusion.
Keeping you, pets, and wildlife safe
The drone does not land. Operators carefully monitor the area, and pilots are trained to avoid wildlife. If people, pets, or other safety risks are present, the delivery will be cancelled.
The current service area is within about 3.7 kilometres of the Bolton Paramedic Satellite Station.
Any service expansion will depend on many factors including:
- Results from the Medical Drone Pilot Program
- Safety analysis
- Community need
- Regulatory approval
The program is operated by PRPS with support from grant funding.
The program operates under a Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC) issued by Transport Canada, which regulates aviation in Canada. Approval requires detailed safety planning and ongoing compliance.
Drone pilots
All drone pilots are PRPS staff who hold advanced or complex remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS) pilot certificates. This is the highest civilian drone certification in Canada.
Pilots complete regular training, evaluations, and annual proficiency checks.
It’s safe to fly drones over the community
The drone:
- Meets Transport Canada safety requirements.
- Has multiple fail-safes.
- Is inspected regularly.
- Uses geofencing to stay within approved areas.
- Includes an emergency parachute system.
Each flight is monitored in real time.
The drone operates 150-200 ft above the tallest structure on the flight path until it reaches its destination. The drone can travel at speeds of up to about 60 km/h.
If the drone crashes or malfunctions
Crashes are extremely rare. If one occurs:
- The drone is designed to land safely when possible.
- The incident triggers a full aviation-level investigation.
- Flights can be stopped at any time if a risk is identified.
If the drone damages your property
Contact Peel Regional Paramedic Services. Any reported damage will be investigated in line with aviation requirements and PRPS procedures.
The drone camera
The camera is used only for navigation, safety, and delivery confirmation.
Drone recordings
The drone is not used for surveillance. Video is collected only for operational purposes.
- Flight video is recorded for aviation safety requirements.
- Footage is not shared publicly.
- Telemetry (flight performance data) is kept for safety analysis.
Footage is reviewed only when needed for safety or operational reasons.
Sharing footage with police
Footage would only be shared if legally required, such as through a warrant.
Drone noise
You may briefly hear the drone during arrival and departure. The sound is like a bee flying. Professional drones have larger propellers that reduce the noise level. The noise is temporary.
Drone visibility
If you are not near an active emergency, you are unlikely to see or hear it.
During training periods, flights may be more frequent along set routes. Operations take place up to 3 days a week and do not occur overnight.