Police Drone Assists in Car Wreck Rescue
Drones have so many capabilities nowadays that it isn’t a surprise that they are being put to use for various projects and no longer considered just a toy for hobbyists. Many companies are using them for surveillance and large retail giants are testing their use for order deliveries. Emergency services are now beginning to use them for search and rescue efforts, which will save many people in the event of a natural disaster, or in this case, a car accident.
A man in Grimsby, Lincolnshire has made a quick recovery due to the fast-thinking Lincolnshire police department and their drone. On February, 25, 2018, the 28-year old man made a decision to drink and drive, which led to him wrecking his vehicle in the middle of the night. The DJI Inspire drone took flight at 2 AM to assist with rescue after the wreck.
The DJI Inspire drone used in this rescue was equipped with an infrared radar, which made it ideal for finding people in the dark since it could pick up heat signatures. The man’s unconscious body was found in a 6-foot deep ditch and hypothermia was already beginning to set in. Within minutes of being deployed, officers were given directions that led them straight to the injured man, who had been tossed about 500 feet from his vehicle.
Quick thinking and an excellent pilot saved the life of a driver that would have likely succumbed to hypothermia had he not been found. Drone use in search and rescue missions continue to rise as we continue to see positive results such as this one. Though the man was taken to the hospital, he was released quickly and then also charged with a DUI because he failed a breathalyzer upon his hospital release.
With drones having the ability to access areas that would be impossible to walk to or get to, we will continue to see their usage increase. They are excellent life-saving tools in the event of a natural disaster such as a hurricane, large fire, or even an earthquake.
With their ability to locate survivors, emergency crews will be able to save time by getting straight to those that need to be rescued, which will ultimately save more lives.
Infrared sensors, GPS tracking, and obstacle avoidance software are all key factors of drones that will be used in search and rescue efforts. The cameras on these drones will also be highly advanced so that the pilot has a clear visual when in flight and looking for survivors.
It is likely that we will see more advancements on these drones as they continue to prove as a reliable tool for emergency services.
Kennedy Martinez
kennedy@dronethusiast.comKennedy Martinez is a resident writer who joined Dronethusiast at the beginning of 2019. She has years of experience reviewing drones and other tech products. When it comes to flying drones, Kennedy loves the ability to create artistic videos from a unique point of view. Kennedy enjoys researching new drones and other exciting products that are available to consumers which is why she is committed to creating the best buyer's guides for our readers.
