La Gomera may be one of the smallest and most laid-back of the Canary Islands but it is taking on a pioneer role in trialling a fast method for transporting medical samples and other vital tests in hilly areas.
A new project unveiled by the island authorities involves the use of small drones to fly tests and samples from all corners of La Gomera to the main hospital situated in the capital, San Sebastián.
The programme, developed in collaboration with Bluenest by Globalvia and the Department of Health, aims to overcome the handicaps posed by the rugged terrain of an island that needs long and winding journeys by road through the hills to get from many towns and villages to and from the capital. If the trials prove successful as expected, the method of transport could be rolled out in remote parts of Spain in years to come.
The eVTOL drones are equipped to carry loads of up to three kilos and travel distances of up to 100 kilometres. Their use will reduce transportation times considerably, replacing road journeys that can take over 40 minutes by a short air trip of just 10 minutes, meaning that a blood sample could be collected from a health centre, flown to the hospital and analysed within as little as one hour.
Details of the pioneering initiative were unveiled at a test event in Playa Santiago, where officials and members of the public were able to see the drones at first hand and witness test flights.
Although the drones’ main purpose will be to fly blood samples, urgent medicines and small surgical equipment, the authorities are also considering using them to provide close-up inspections of the island’s infrastructures, particularly those situated in inaccessible parts, and provide aerial support in civil protection emergencies.
The project also carries strong environmental and social benefits. By replacing traditional road transport with the unmanned electric aircraft, annual CO₂ emissions could be reduced by over 14 tons, while noise pollution is significantly minimised thanks to the quiet operation of the drones.
