Medical drone could beat ambulance by up to 8 minutes in Ontario

By Tahani Elghazaly
Published September 23, 2026

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Peel Regional Paramedic Services launched a pilot project on Tuesday, September 22, in Bolton, Caledon, using a medical drone to deliver life-saving equipment to certain 911 emergency calls while an ambulance is dispatched at the same time.

The pilot is designed for emergencies where the first few minutes can make a critical difference, including cardiac arrest, severe allergic reactions, suspected opioid overdoses and major bleeding. The drone can carry an automated external defibrillator (AED), an EpiPen, naloxone, and equipment to help control serious bleeding.

According to Peel Regional Paramedic Services, preliminary data suggest the drone could reach some emergency scenes three to eight minutes before an ambulance. The pilot currently operates within approximately 3.7 kilometres of the Bolton paramedic station, with deployment depending on the location of the call, weather, flight conditions and drone availability.

The drone does not replace an ambulance or paramedics. For eligible 911 calls, an ambulance is dispatched as usual while the drone may be launched at the same time. Once it reaches the scene, the aircraft can lower the medical kit to a safe area, while a 911 communicator or paramedic guides the person with the patient by phone — and, when appropriate, by video — on how to use the equipment until emergency crews arrive.

Peel Region says the project is intended to shorten the time it takes for life-saving equipment to reach patients, particularly in areas where distance, traffic or rural road networks may delay an ambulance.

In cardiac arrest cases, Peel Region says a person's chance of survival can fall by approximately 7% to 10% for every minute without defibrillation, making even a few minutes potentially significant.

The pilot is operating with regulatory authorization from Transport Canada. Data collected during the project will be used to assess safety, response effectiveness and whether the service could eventually be expanded to other areas.