Perhaps you’ve heard of companies using drones to deliver packages to customers’ doorsteps. If that seems a bit futuristic, consider this: Scientists are testing the use of drones to deliver packages of blood to accident sites.

A paramedic at the scene of a car accident with a serious injury could contact the nearest blood bank or hospital, report the victim’s blood type and request specific blood products. A cooler containing the specified items would be loaded onto the drone, which would then fly to the accident site for delivery.

Johns Hopkins University scientists writing in the journal Transfusion tested the method using remote-controlled flights as long as 26 minutes in normal weather conditions. The experimental flights transported red blood cell packs, platelet packs and previously frozen plasma packs, all of them large enough to be suitable for transfusion. A university report on the study noted that such larger parcels always require a higher level of care, versus smaller ones, to maintain blood quality.

The journeys did not alter or harm the blood. The researchers also noted that the packets maintained a consistent temperature during transport.

Blood transport via drone is a promising technique requiring much more study, and the Johns Hopkins team plans additional tests in a variety of settings. A future experiment will involve a programmable cooler to keep temperatures down in warmer environs.

Perhaps one day drones will deliver blood swiftly between hospitals, or in war zones. While delivering a new sweater or toaster by a drone would be impressive, a swift delivery of blood could save lives.