Key Takeaways:
- DJI reveals that over 500 individuals have been rescued globally using drones.
- Notable rescues include a 93-year-old woman located in Missouri with thermal imaging technology.
- Drones are becoming standard tools for public safety, with growing efficacy in emergency scenarios.
- DJI’s Drone Rescue Map tracks heroic efforts across various incidents, showcasing the lifesaving capabilities of drone technology.
DJI Celebrates a Significant Milestone in Drone-Assisted Rescues
Lifesaving Drone Technology Reaches New Heights
December 1, 2020 – In a remarkable showcase of innovation and technology, DJI, the global leader in civilian drones, reports that more than 500 people have been rescued from peril through the use of drones worldwide. This achievement marks a significant moment in the evolution of aerial technology, underscoring its vital role in emergency response and public safety.
The milestone was notably reached in mid-October when a sheriff’s department in Missouri employed a DJI drone equipped with a thermal imaging camera to locate a missing 93-year-old woman. In a challenging search that had persisted for several hours, the drone was able to pinpoint her location within just four minutes, demonstrating the effectiveness of advanced drone capabilities in life-threatening situations.
Inspiring Real-Life Rescues
A poignant moment captured on video during the rescue illustrated the power of drone technology. The Cass County Sheriff’s Office shared footage where the drone detected the woman, Chris Fairchild, as a bright yellow dot amidst darkness. Major Kevin Tieman, the drone pilot, expressed the relief of identifying her in such a critical situation, reflecting on the emotional satisfaction of contributing to her rescue. “To see that little yellow dot, knowing that that’s the person you’re looking for, it feels great,” he described.
Fairchild had wandered into the woods, exhausted and one shoe missing, but was unharmed when she spotted the drone overhead. “I kept saying, Come on, I’m here! Come on, I’m here!” she exclaimed. Her rescue is one of many that have pushed the global count beyond 500, spotlighting the transformative impact of drones in rescue missions.
Global Drone Rescues on the Rise
The success of DJI drones is echoed globally, with additional heroic incidents recorded. On September 30, in Split, Croatia, the Croatian Mountain Rescue Service successfully located a man contemplating self-harm, marking rescue #494 using a DJI Mavic 2 Enterprise Dual drone. Earlier, on September 10, rescuers in Boao, China, used a DJI drone to locate and save three surfers stranded in the ocean, numbering them as the 488th, 489th, and 490th individuals rescued by drones.
DJI maintains a comprehensive Drone Rescue Map, which catalogs over 300 rescue incidents initiated by police, firefighters, and volunteer rescue teams since drones made their debut in such operations in 2013. The map records each event, detailing the date and location, and providing links to original reports, emphasizing the expanding capabilities of drones and their effectiveness in emergency scenarios.
The Future of Drone Technology in Public Safety
As advancements in drone technology continue to evolve, public safety officials are increasingly recognizing their potential. Romeo Durscher, DJI’s Senior Director of Public Safety Integration, notes, “Just a few years ago, drones were an experimental technology for innovators in public safety. Today, public safety agencies across the world have adopted drones as a standard piece of equipment.” This shift has undoubtedly enhanced the ability to save lives, highlighting an astonishing success in the realm of public safety.
Reflecting on the 500th rescue, which involved the October 11 operation in Missouri, it’s evident that the potential of drones goes beyond boundaries once thought impossible. Major Tieman underscored the technology’s significance, stating, “A DJI drone is an amazing product and has allowed us to save lives.”
Furthermore, Brendan Schulman, DJI Vice President of Policy & Legal Affairs, emphasizes the importance of reasonable regulations that facilitate drone operations, arguing for expanded capabilities to operate in more complex environments. He notes that successful drone rescues highlight society’s dependency on such technology and the danger posed by restrictive policies that could limit access and increase costs for public safety workers.
DJI compiles its rescue statistics from various media sources, ensuring an accurate representation of drone-assisted rescues and their growing significance in emergency readiness. By urging public safety agencies to share their rescue stories, DJI encourages a culture of collaboration and innovation in safety technology.
As the number of drone-assisted rescues continues to rise, the potential for this technology to redefine public safety practices remains immense, paving the way for innovative solutions that can save lives in urgent circumstances.
