EENA Awards Honor Heroic Icelandic Drone Rescue
EENA and DJI Join Forces to Enhance Lifesaving Drone Technology
Video footage capturing a dramatic drone rescue operation in Iceland is available here. Additionally, you can view videos showcasing drones utilized in firefighting and search and rescue missions here.
25 April 2018
The European Emergency Number Association (EENA) and DJI, a global leader in civilian drone technology, convened today to recognize the remarkable role drones play in save lives during complex rescue missions. At the annual 112 Awards in Ljubljana, Slovenia, the Dalvik Search & Rescue Team from Iceland was presented with the Outstanding Tech for Safety Award for their courageous rescue of two cousins who found themselves trapped on a mountain.
The Dalvik team’s innovative use of drone technology was pivotal in this life-saving operation. By piloting a drone towards the light from one cousin’s phone, they successfully guided rescue personnel through challenging terrain and poor visibility to ensure a safe retrieval.
In a continued effort to leverage drone technology for public safety, EENA and DJI announced the expansion of their two-year collaboration. The partnership aims to explore how public safety agencies can incorporate drones into their operations effectively. They are committed to understanding the unique needs of these agencies and developing tailored solutions—spanning hardware and software—for optimized integration.
Innovations in Rescue Operations
During the EENA Conference 2018, the organizations revealed plans to conduct real-world testing of drones, which will serve as a foundation for establishing comprehensive European-wide emergency service standards. These standards will encompass drone operations, pilot training, and regulatory compliance, ultimately enhancing the capabilities of first responders across the continent.
Gary Machado, Executive Director of EENA, expressed pride in the partnership’s progress, revealing, “We have achieved extraordinary outcomes that directly contribute to the safety of citizens. By enhancing rescue services’ efficiency through drone technology, we are creating a safer environment for everyone.”
Romeo Durscher, director of Public Safety Integration at DJI, highlighted the partnership’s success, stating that the collaboration allows for the documentation and understanding of how drones can reduce operation time, risk, and resource expenditure for rescue teams. He emphasized the potential for drones to become indispensable tools in emergency responses.
Future Endeavors
Looking ahead, the next phase of the collaboration will involve hands-on experience with drones in various emergency scenarios. The Donegal Mountain Rescue Team in Ireland and the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service in the UK have been designated as key testing sites for this initiative. These locations will feature diverse rescue operations, from challenging urban settings to rugged mountain terrains, providing valuable insights into drone application for emergencies.
Supporting Materials
For more information and background materials, please contact:
EENA: Rose Michael – rm@eena.org
DJI: Viviana Laperchia – viviana.laperchia@dji.com
Supporting Material:
Watch the remarkable rescue video here.
Explore how emergency responders utilize drones in search, rescue, and firefighting efforts here.
About EENA
The European Emergency Number Association (EENA) is a non-governmental organization based in Brussels, founded in 1999. EENA’s mission is to enhance emergency service responses through collaboration with both public safety organizations and technology providers. With approximately 1,500 members, EENA brings together public safety officials from over 80 countries, facilitating discussions on legal, technical, and operational improvements in emergency protocols.
For more information, visit: www.eena.org
