The role of drones in delivering emergency medical and surgical support in conflict zones.

Abstract

Armed conflicts such as those in Gaza and Ukraine highlight the urgent need for innovative solutions to deliver emergency medical and surgical support in inaccessible and high-risk environments. Traditional supply chains often fail in war zones due to blockades, damaged infrastructure and safety concerns for healthcare personnel. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), commonly referred to as drones, have emerged as a promising tool to bridge these critical gaps. This narrative review explores the role of drones in delivering medical supplies, supporting casualty triage and enhancing emergency response in conflict settings. A structured literature search of MEDLINE and Embase (2000-2025) identified relevant studies assessing drone applications in healthcare, with particular focus on their deployment in war and disaster zones. Evidence demonstrates drones can significantly reduce delivery times for blood products, automated external defibrillators and essential medicines, while providing reconnaissance to locate casualties and assess hazards. Advantages include improved timeliness, reduced risk to rescuers and enhanced situational awareness. However, challenges remain, including limited payload and range, vulnerability to adverse weather and electronic interference, regulatory and legal barriers, and civilian mistrust linked to military drone use. Future integration of artificial intelligence, secure communication systems and harmonised regulatory frameworks may expand drone utility, ultimately transforming emergency medical care in conflict zones.