Key Takeaways
- DJI announces a significant milestone in drone-assisted search and rescue missions, with over 1,000 lives saved worldwide.
- Notable recent rescues highlight the effectiveness of drones, including the retrieval of lost hikers and a teenager at risk of drowning.
- DJI’s Drone Rescue Map serves as a comprehensive database of drone-assisted rescues, fostering awareness and engagement for the technology’s potential.
- The company encourages both the public and rescue teams to contribute their experiences with drone rescues to enhance community safety.
DJI Celebrates Landmark Achievement in Search and Rescue Efforts with Drones
In a remarkable testament to the power of technology, DJI, the global leader in civilian drone and aerial imaging solutions, has documented an inspiring achievement: drones have played an instrumental role in saving over 1,000 lives across the globe in critical search and rescue operations. These compelling statistics underscore how drone technology is becoming an invaluable asset in situations where every second counts.
One particularly moving instance involved two hikers in New York State who found themselves lost at nightfall. With their mobile phones running low on battery, they struggled to communicate their exact location to rescuers. Fortunately, the Sheriff’s Office UAS Unit deployed a drone equipped with a thermal camera, ultimately locating and aiding the distressed hikers.
"Drones are an essential life-saving tool for search and rescue operators worldwide, and it’s inspiring to see civilian drone pilots volunteering in emergencies," commented Christina Zhang, DJI’s Senior Director of Corporate Strategy. "Since we began tracking drone rescue statistics in 2017, we have made it our mission to highlight how crucial this technology is for those dedicating their lives to saving others."
Real-Life Heroics: Drones in Action
Illustrating the life-saving capabilities of drones, a dramatic incident occurred in July 2022 when a teenager on Spain’s eastern coast struggled against treacherous currents while swimming. A pioneering UAS lifeguard service utilized a drone to drop a life vest to the young swimmer, saving him from drowning while professional lifeguards were en route.
Additionally, in a more unconventional rescue, a man trapped in the snow in Oregon used his drone to send out an SOS message after losing mobile reception in remote terrain. By attaching his phone to the drone and flying it into the air, he was able to provide rescuers with his precise location, leading to a successful retrieval for him and two others.
The DJI Drone Rescue Map: A Collaborative Tool for Safety
To further enhance awareness of this critical application of drone technology, DJI has created the DJI Drone Rescue Map. This interactive platform catalogs instances of when drones have been used by law enforcement, rescue squads, and even bystanders to save lives. Launched in 2013, the map records incidents sourced from credible news articles and social media posts shared by official agencies.
The information displayed on the map includes the date and location of each incident, a brief description, and links to the original reports. It’s important to note that the map specifically documents cases where drones directly assisted or rescued individuals in danger, rather than situations where drones were merely a part of broader search efforts.
Building Community Awareness
Adam Welsh, DJI’s Global Head of Policy, expressed his appreciation for the significant impact civilian drones have already had in rescuing countless individuals. “We are grateful that civilian drones have saved so many people worldwide. We urge the public and stakeholders to help spread the word about how drones can be life-saving and to ensure that rescue agencies have access to this transformative technology,” he emphasized.
DJI warmly invites the community and search and rescue teams globally to share their drone rescue stories through submissions on the Drone Rescue Map page. By collecting these narratives, DJI aims to foster greater awareness and acceptance of drone technology as a vital tool in making potentially life-saving interventions during emergencies.
In celebrating these advancements, DJI continues to spotlight the essential and often heroic roles drones play in modern-day rescues, advocating for their integration across various emergency services.
