The future for Search and Rescue (SAR) might be here. In mountainous areas where harsh weather conditions and dangerous terrain is norm, drones might be coming for the rescue.
Search and Rescue teams in Portland, Oregon may soon find a valuable ally in an even more valuable drone. The Mountain Wave Search and Rescue partnered with Aerial Technology International to acquire a drone that will act as a scout in case of emergency. The drone at their disposal is equipped with advanced tools that can make spotting people in the wilderness a breeze.
Portland’s Specialized Drone:
The drone is custom built and boasts a wide variety of tools. It has high definition cameras that are capable of high reaching zoom. It also has thermal imaging, to easily spot missing persons in a large area.
The drone itself can withstand harsh weather conditions. These include high temperatures as well as freezing environments. The drone can also pull up victims in the event rescuers can’t reach the area in time. It has a hook that people can grab onto, and the drone’s engine can lift a sizeable weight. They can also use this hook to send first aid kits, cellphones, and other small items while the person is waiting rescue.
The drone costs about $6000 to obtain. The accessories SAR added however would up the total to nearly $20,000. The price may be steep but it will provide a good helping hand in the Search and Rescue efforts.
This gives the team a bird’s eye view of any situation. The drone can also cross small spaces while giving a real-time view of the scene thanks to the cameras. This would provide more time for the SAR team to plan their moves while getting as much data as possible.
It also means that first responders do not go in blindly at a situation. The drone can scout dangerous areas prior to human contact. Missing people light up via cameras and give the team a more precise starting location.
In a world where time is always at the essence, this drone would make saving lives a piece of cake.
