Hyde County Emergency Medical Services in North Carolina deployed this unique Pivotal BlackFly aircraft to respond to real 911 calls. [Credit: Pivotal]
Key Takeaways:
Hyde County EMS in North Carolina has become the first in the nation to deploy a Pivotal BlackFly eVTOL aircraft for emergency response, allowing a paramedic to reach 911 calls significantly faster than an ambulance to provide initial advanced life support.
The single-seat BlackFly, originally marketed for recreational use, was adapted for EMS after extensive training for paramedics to pilot the aircraft and navigating complex regulatory approvals with the FAA.
This pilot program showcased the eVTOL's ability to improve response times, particularly in geographically challenging areas, with future plans for further development, broader deployment, and exploring applications like uncrewed blood delivery.
Quinn Reece, a paramedic with Hyde County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in North Carolina, is not your average first responder.
Recently, Reece responded to a 911 call about 20 minutes faster than an ambulance. The seemingly impossible feat was enabled by a unique aircraft that lifts off vertically like a helicopter but tilts forward to fly on fixed wings.
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Jack is a staff writer covering advanced air mobility, including everything from drones to unmanned aircraft systems to space travel—and a whole lot more. He spent close to two years reporting on drone delivery for FreightWaves, covering the biggest news and developments in the space and connecting with industry executives and experts. Jack is also a basketball aficionado, a frequent traveler and a lover of all things logistics.
