In collaboration with Skyfire Consulting and Doosan Mobility Innovation Inc., the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) Department of Health and the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) recently completed a 43-mile open-ocean drone crossing between St. Croix and St. Thomas.

The UAS carried simulation vials and other health supplies in a temperature-controlled compartment during the flight.

“In the past, during epidemics and following the hurricane disasters, the Department of Health had to rely on any means possible to transport critical health-related materials,” explains APHL member Brett Ellis, director of the Territorial Public Health Laboratory within the USVI Department of Health.

“In some cases boats had to be used when planes were grounded. While effective, these were not the most efficient or reliable transport following a disaster.”

Often times, responders were forced to batch samples and wait for the next boat or seaplane, causing delays in potentially urgent clinical testing.

Using a UAS, the 43-mile flight was completed in less than two hours.

“Delivering timely public health services to island residents can prove challenging on a typical day. But it can be especially difficult during times of emergency,” says Chris Mangal, director of public health preparedness and response at APHL.

“This test underscores the importance of finding innovative methods for strengthening public health laboratory systems and keeping our communities safe.”