Sember has been a firefighter within the Boca Raton area for over 17 years. He began flying drones recreationally, traveling everywhere in the world to capture aerial images.
“Using the drone for search and rescue missions is a game changer,” says Sember. “Drones are useful anywhere.”
The Evolving Advantages of Drone in Search and Rescue
Traditionally search and rescue (SAR) operations have relied upon human personnel. Drones have been recognized as a precious tool in SAR missions from the start of the business industry. As aircraft and sensors have improved, nevertheless, the advantages of drones in search and rescue have evolved and improved also.
Drones could make a SAR mission more practical and efficient after they are integrated into regular operations. Along with speed and efficiency, drones can access difficult terrain and, Sember says, get within the air in lower than a minute – much faster than a team on foot can get on location.
Real time data streaming and real time mapping software has developed to supply search and rescue missions with critical situational awareness during operations. Sember points out that mapping technology will help teams get in, and help commanders determine one of the best routes out for search and rescue operations within the wilderness.
Most drones come equipped with GPS technology. Sember says GPS is underutilized in SAR operations, and is a wonderful tool for precisely locating a subject to direct ground teams.
While the bottom team reaches the topic, drone operators can use zoom cameras, which have developed significantly in the previous couple of years, to guage the condition of the topic and their surroundings. Medical kits might be delivered by drone for immediate relief while ground crews work to achieve a subject. Thermal imaging has also improved significantly, providing a precious tool for nighttime missions. Sensors like speakers and lights also provide major profit to operators.
Recent drone flight automation features have also helped to make SAR operations easier. Programming an aircraft to fly in a pattern to cover an area, or using waypoints to find out a flight path, ensures efficient coverage. “It takes the stress off of the pilot,” says Sember. “You send it on its pattern and let it go.”
More Places, More Conditions
Overall, says Sember, drones have gotten more weather resilient and more rugged. That implies that search and rescue operators can integrate drones into more missions, in a broader range of weather conditions and environments. Sember points out that drones are useful in a wide selection of situations, and aren’t limited to rural and wilderness situations. “In an urban setting, the advantages are even greater,” says Sember. “You possibly can just get to the search location a lot faster.”
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