Using Drones for Public Safety

Using Drones for Police and Public Safety - Heliguy Insider recently spoke with Tom Nash from Raptor Aerial Imaging who had been using drones as part of a feasibility test mountain search and rescue in Scotland. Tom used equipment supplied by Heliguy to complete the test, including a Matrice 210, Zenmuse Z30 zoom camera and a thermal Zenmuse XT camera. Following the tests completed by Tom, we have been looking at uses of drones for public safety and the recommended equipment available for use in these areas. Keep reading to find out the different areas of public safety drones are currently being used.

Drones and Payloads

Search and Rescue

Search and rescue is a key area of public safety where drones can be effective tools for locating targets and assessing the requirements of the individual search and rescue operation. Recommended Kit - Matrice 210 with Zenmuse XT and Zenmuse Z30. Smaller drone from the Phantom 4 or Mavic Series. The key area in which drones can be beneficial to search and rescue is through locating targets. Smaller drones can be used to do a scan of an area in order to locate anything that easily stands out such as bright coloured clothing etc. At this point, having accurate information of the search location can also be used to coordinate the search and rescue mission. Using the visual image of terrain can help to assess the specific equipment required for the search, increasing the efficiency. Larger drones such as the M200 Series and be used to be used with a dual payload of the Zenmuse XT and Z30. This allows the thermal image camera to be used for the initial search to locate any heat signals that stand out that could be the missing person. The zoom camera can then be used to investigate any heat signals and either direct the ground team for further investigation or rescue the target. Another benefit of using the zoom camera is the ability to triage a target once found. The visual triage can be used to check for consciousness or any injuries, leading to the appropriate team being sent for rescue, including urgent response if the target isn’t responsive. Drone use with search and rescue teams across the UK as well as other countries has increased dramatically over the last few years. The available drones and payloads are ideal for the application in search and rescue operations, especially the Matrice 200 Series and the compatible thermal and zoom camera payloads. These tools support existing search and rescue methods, helping to improve the speed of operation in a much more affordable package when compared to traditional search and rescue methods.

Police

Firefighting

Disaster Response

Summary

The benefits drones can have as a support to public safety are astounding. From helping to save lives and property to stopping illegal activity to helping rebuild after a disaster, drones clearly have many uses. The use of drones can be much more cost-effective and efficient than traditional methods. They can help improve the safety of not just those involved in the incident but emergency services who’re trying to help. Heliguy offers a range of drone services in this area. These include a wide range of DJI drones and payloads as well as emergency services drone training that’s tailor-made to individual requirements.

To discuss the use of drones in public safety or any DJI or Freefly product, please give one of our team a call on 0191 296 1024 or email us at info@heliguy.com.

Keep checking back to Heliguy’s Insider Blog for more announcements, insights into drones and, of course, the latest news from the drone industry.