Updated July 1.

Forsyth County is ramping up efforts to save more lives.

Duke University selected Forsyth County Sheriff's Office (FCSO) to be part of AED drone study due to its past experiences with drones. It will be funded with a $4 million grant from the American Heart Association.

FCSO will partner with Forsyth County EMS on the project. Live 911 calls will be streamed to FCSO drone pilots, who will listen for keywords like "no pulse" or "unconscious." Drone pilots will dispatch an AED before fire or EMS arrive on site. The goal is to get the tool into the hands of a bystander who can assist the person suffering cardiac arrest. Their chances of survival increase the quicker the device is used.

FCSO is hoping to implement this program as early as fall 2024 with hopes to make it permanent in the future.

New update:

Curious about how this process will work? Forsyth County Sheriff's Office will hold information sessions throughout the county. Deputies will demonstrate the process of the drone delivery in person so residents can learn how the new technology will be implemented.

Note: All these info sessions will take place from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Save these dates on your calendar:

Wednesday, July 17 | Clemmons Branch Library, 6365 James St., Clemmons
Wednesday, July 24 | Rural Hall Branch Library, 7125 Broad St., Rural Hall
Thursday, Aug. 1 | Lewisville Branch Library, 6490 Shallowford Rd.
Thursday, August 8 | Walkertown Branch Library, 2969 Main St., Walkertown,
Wednesday, August 14 | Central Branch Library, 660 W. 5th St., Winston-Salem

This project is funded with a $4 million grant from the American Heart Association.