Minutes save lives: Peel Regional Paramedic Services launches Medical Drone Pilot Program
Brampton, ON. (September 22, 2026) – Starting today, residents in Bolton who call 911 for certain emergencies may receive critical life-saving equipment delivered by drone to support them in the crucial moments before paramedics arrive.
To continue to advance innovative, community-focused care, Peel Regional Paramedic Services is launching its Medical Drone Pilot Program. This initiative aims to improve access to life-saving interventions, particularly in rural and remote communities by leveraging technology to deliver medical supplies for time-sensitive emergencies, including:
- Cardiac arrest (AED delivery)
- Suspected opioid overdose (naloxone)
- Severe bleeding (trauma supplies)
- Allergic reactions/anaphylaxis (epinephrine auto-injector)
Peel paramedics are committed to delivering innovative, high-quality care that reaches people when and where they need it most. By integrating drone technology into our response model, we are putting life-saving tools like AEDs into the hands of bystanders faster - potentially minutes sooner than traditional response. Our goal is simple: give every resident the best possible chance to save a life before paramedics arrive.
Brian Gibson, Peel Regional Paramedics Services Chief
This pilot supports existing community responder programs and the use of drones to deliver AEDs and medical supplies, with paramedics providing real-time guidance to residents through a video connection.
Peel Regional Paramedic Services is working in collaboration with Dr. Sheldon Cheskes, Medical Director at Sunnybrook Centre for Prehospital Medicine and an internationally recognized leader in cardiac arrest research, to support ongoing research into drone-enabled AED delivery. Data from the pilot will contribute to evidence-based research aimed at improving survival rates in cardiac emergencies, with a focus on expanding access to life-saving defibrillation. The study explores how drone-enabled AED delivery can support rural, remote and Indigenous communities across Ontario, where longer emergency response times can impact health outcomes.
Early defibrillation is one of the most important factors in surviving cardiac arrest. This initiative is about getting AEDs to patients faster and strengthening the chain of survival, particularly in areas where access can be more challenging. By combining innovative technology with research, I'm proud to work together with Peel Regional Paramedic Services to improve health outcomes and save more lives in Peel.
Dr. Sheldon Cheskes, Medical Director at Sunnybrook Centre for Prehospital Medicine
This initiative builds on Peel Regional Paramedic Services broader Community Safety Program, which focuses on improving survival rates for cardiac arrest and other time-sensitive emergencies. Other initiatives include expanding access to publicly available AEDs and supporting Volunteer Community Responder initiatives.
Residents deserve access to the best possible emergency care, regardless of where they live. This Medical Drone Pilot Program demonstrates how Peel Region is embracing innovation to enhance emergency response and improve access to life-saving interventions, particularly in communities where travel distances can be greater. By integrating new technologies with the expertise of Peel’s paramedics, we are building a stronger, more responsive system of care that supports residents during the critical first minutes of an emergency.
Nando Iannicca, Regional Chair and Chair of the Peel Board of Health
For more information, please visit: Medical Drone Pilot Program - peelregion.ca
About Peel Region
Peel Region works with residents and partners to create a healthy, safe, and connected Community for Life for approximately 1.6 million people and over 200,000 businesses in Brampton, Mississauga, and Caledon. Peel’s services touch the lives of residents every day. For more information explore peelregion.ca and follow us on X @regionofpeel and Instagram @peelregion.ca.
Media contact
Allison Jones
Manager, Strategic Client Communication, Health Services
Peel Region