Researchers show off medical drones for disasters, shootings
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Richard W. Patrick, Senior Advisor for First Responder Policy with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, looks at the drone equipped with a mass casualty medical kit, as he discusses the potential of life saving medical drones in the field, during a live telemedicine demonstration at John Bell Williams airport in Bolton, Miss., Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2016. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis) (Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)
Researchers say they hope small helicopter drones can bring medical care to areas after severe weather or mass shootings. They showed off models Tuesday at John Bell Williams Airport in Raymond.
A partnership between William Carey University's College of Osteopathic Medicine and the Hinds Community College drone program is developing what's called the Health Integrated Rescue Operation. The partners are working with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Dr. Itala Subbarao says he and medical student Guy Paul Cooper Jr. got the idea after a large tornado struck Hattiesburg in 2013. They want the drone to ferry medical supplies to places that are remote or temporarily cut off. The drone would also allow physicians to deliver medical instructions by videoconference, with people on site wearing video glasses to move around.