Advancements in Drone Technology for Emergency Services: Key Insights from DJI and EENA White Paper

Discover the white paper here

Key Takeaways

• Enhanced Efficiency: Drones can significantly reduce search times in emergency situations, performing tasks in minutes that traditionally take hours.
• Best Practices Defined: The project outlined key areas for the integration of drones (RPAS) in standard operational procedures, ensuring they function seamlessly alongside first responders.
• Developed Training Framework: Emphasis was placed on specialized training for RPAS teams, highlighting the need for understanding drone capabilities within larger emergency operations.
• Innovative Software Solutions: The project prompted the creation of two new applications designed specifically for first responders, enhancing operational efficiency.

On November 10, 2016, DJI, a global leader in unmanned aerial vehicles, joined forces with the European Emergency Number Association (EENA) to release a comprehensive white paper. This detailed document encapsulates a year-long initiative with the European emergency-response community, focusing on the safe integration of drone technology in critical situations.

Understanding Needs for Enhanced Responsiveness

DJI’s Director of Education, Romeo Durscher, elucidated the project goals, stating, “Our main goal was to gain a more nuanced understanding of the needs of first responders and how off-the-shelf platforms can meet those needs.” Durscher highlighted a paradigm shift in how drones are perceived—not merely as flying devices, but as sophisticated tools for data collection and decision-making, extending beyond simple aerial views or searches for missing individuals.

This initiative directed teams to identify best practices across five significant areas: the integration of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) within standard operational procedures, team training for RPAS usage, hardware requirements and maintenance, logistical considerations, and external frameworks for RPAS deployment.

Strategic Recommendations for First Responders

The findings advocate for a minimum of two operators per RPAS mission, ensuring a controller manages the unit while another analyzes video feeds for immediate information. Hardware recommendations emphasize reliability and resilience, including essential redundant systems. The need for versatile hardware adept at operating in varied environments has also been underscored.

Remarkably, training outcomes reveal that while a five-member ground team may take about two hours to locate a person in one square kilometer, a drone can accomplish the same in just 20 minutes. This drastic reduction in time potentially translates to life-saving efficiencies.

Innovative Technological Contributions

Tony O’Brien from EENA remarked on the significant opportunities presented by this project: “We have seen that technological advancements will continue as platforms evolve, becoming smarter and more capable.” He emphasized the importance of community experience sharing to refine best practices further as the use of RPAS systems expands within emergency services.

Four dedicated first responder teams were integral to the research—Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (UK), Donegal Mountain Rescue (Ireland), Greater Copenhagen Fire Department (Denmark), and the Reykjavik SAR Team (Iceland)—all employing RPAS technology for diverse operations, from locating missing individuals to managing hazardous incidents.

Framework for Future Drone Integration

The paper outlines detailed recommendations across five critical areas:

Integration of RPAS in Standard Operating Procedures

Ensuring effective communication through encrypted channels is paramount, highlighting the collaborative nature of utilizing RPAS within emergency frameworks.

Comprehensive Training Programs

These programs should not only equip RPAS teams with operational knowledge but also integrate them effectively within broader operational tactics.

Hardware Needs and Maintenance

Teams voiced the necessity for reliable platforms that withstand demanding conditions, showcasing the importance of durability in drone technology.

Logistical Best Practices

Routine inspections and updated firmware across units are essential to maintain operational integrity during critical missions.

Building an External Framework

Collaboration with regulators and public education will foster trust in drone technology, paving the way for more agile emergency response frameworks.

This initiative has also spawned two innovative software solutions specifically tailored for emergency responders, augmenting their operational capabilities—DroneSAR’s search and rescue application and DJI HotShot, a specialized app designed to enhance the usability of DJI’s thermal cameras.

For more details or inquiries, please contact:

Sarah Elliott, DJI Communication Director, West Coast – sarah.elliott@dji.com