UAS for emergency services?

20th October 2015 - 11:30 GMT | by The Shephard News Team

RSS

Drone America (DA) is collaborating with the Washoe County Sheriff’s department (WCSO) to support the establishment of a national standard for using unmanned system to support the emergency services.

The work will focus on how local emergency services, such as search and rescue organisations, can safety integrate autonomous systems – which can be launched quickly and from any location - to benefit the communities they serve.

As one of the only national test sites in the US, the State of Nevada is tasked with being a research and testing ground to integrate UAS technologies into the nation’s airspace.

Potential applications being explored includes using UAS to help locate lost people using infrared camera payloads; and the unmanned delivery of medical supplies and life vests to injured people.

Drone America is also researching full autonomous rescue systems that could be activated by passers-by, initiating a rescue or providing critical supplies prior to the arrival of emergency services.

Mike Richards, president and CEO, Drone America, said: ‘We place great emphasis on listening to first responders, which influences our designs and gives us the ability to manufacture mission-specific unmanned systems. Our systems will be a tool that could make a difference in their everyday lives, including increasing safety, reducing response times and providing support during emergency situations and disasters.’