German Copters & Helios: Labor samples via cargo drone

The Helios Clinics are planning to use drones in regular flight operations: From August, these unmanned aerial vehicles are expected to be able to transport lab samples between the Helios Clinics in Breisach and Müllheim, according to a press release from April 19. The necessary approval for the commencement of flight operations was granted by the Stuttgart Regional Council on April 19, it says there.  

According to the healthcare provider, two years of meticulous work in a consortium consisting of Helios Clinics, RKH Gesundheit, and German Copters DLS preceded the approval.

"We are the first in Europe to use drones in medical logistics in regular operation. This once again demonstrates our innovative strength at Helios. The transport of blood or tissue samples in the air is faster, more reliable, and more environmentally friendly than by road. It makes us more independent of land transport and opens up completely new perspectives regarding the location and utilization of laboratories," says Enrico Jensch, COO of Helios.

"The Helios Clinics Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald are taking on a pioneering role for innovative medical logistics in the Helios network, much to my delight," says Florian Aschbrenner, Regional CEO of Helios Region South.

The transport of blood or tissue samples by drone complements Helios' concept with newly structured patient-oriented laboratory diagnostics in Breisach and the expansion of the range of services in Müllheim, Aschbrenner continues.

According to the announcement, further flight routes in Germany are to follow. Recently, Helios has also employed a trained remote pilot in the infrastructure division, who is allowed to operate drones without direct visual contact, according to the company's information.