DJI Enhances Search and Rescue Operations with Drone Technology

Extensive Research Indicates Drones Could Revolutionize Mountain Rescue Efforts

Key Takeaways:

• DJI’s research shows drones can locate missing persons over a one-square-kilometer area in just 20 minutes, significantly outperforming traditional methods.
• Collaborative studies aim to refine drone capabilities, crucial for integration into emergency response systems.
• DJI emphasizes the importance of training local communities to advance drone utilization for search and rescue operations.

Las Vegas, NV – September 8, 2016 – DJI, the global leader in drone manufacturing, announced promising results from initial tests aimed at improving search and rescue operations with their advanced drone technology. Conducted in collaboration with the European Emergency Number Association (EENA) and Donegal Mountain Search and Rescue in Ireland, the findings reveal that a drone, when properly equipped, can locate a missing individual within a one-square-kilometer area in as little as 20 minutes—over five times faster than conventional search teams.

Innovative Approaches to Rescue Operations

During a presentation at the InterDrone conference, DJI’s Director of Education, Romeo Durscher, shared these groundbreaking insights. The research highlights that while traditional rescue teams typically require two hours to locate a victim in a similar area, drones not only expedite the search process but could also play a pivotal role in ensuring successful rescues.

“Finding a victim in difficult terrain is just the first step,” explained Durscher. “Drones need to effectively transmit real-time imagery and GPS data to rescue teams and coordinators, deliver vital supplies, and guide rescuers to exact locations. We see drones already contributing to life-saving efforts worldwide, and we are keen on working with seasoned emergency responders to enhance their effectiveness.”

Committed to Research and Development

DJI is actively pursuing comprehensive testing methodologies to gather substantial data on drones’ roles in various emergency scenarios, including firefighting and search operations. Recently, DJI, in partnership with the research firm Black Channel, conducted a field study in challenging conditions on the Adamello Glacier in Italy’s Dolomite Mountains.

Joe Eyerman, Co-Director at Black Channel, emphasized the potential of drones to refine search methodologies. “Addressing minor challenges encountered during this study can enable immediate benefits for search teams to enhance safety in mountainous regions,” Eyerman stated.

Scientific Assessment of Drone Technology

This initiative reflects a pioneering effort to utilize scientific methods for evaluating drones’ utility in extreme conditions. By integrating the expertise of scientists, seasoned drone operators, and mountaineers, the project aims to explore new technologies that enhance the capabilities of search and rescue teams while involving local students in the research process.

“Our initiative is about nurturing the next generation to lead in safe mountaineering and emergency response,” Durscher remarked. “By allowing these young individuals to engage with drone technology, we enable them to contribute to the safety of thousands of mountain visitors annually—rooting them in their home communities.”

A Collaborative Approach to Data Collection

The project utilized the DroneDeploy application to facilitate a range of activities, including:

• Creating mosaic maps from drone imagery to aid search and rescue teams in identifying search paths and victim locations.
• Mapping environmental changes that may pose risks to rescue personnel, such as densely wooded mountainous areas.
• Providing training for local youth and mountaineers on drone aviation fundamentals, engineering concepts, and basic data collection and analysis.
• Contributing to glacier environmental studies through aerial data collection and analysis.

DJI remains dedicated to enhancing emergency response capabilities through drone technology, showcasing a commitment to forging partnerships that leverage both hardware and software in real-world scenarios. In discussion with the EENA, Durscher mentioned an upcoming white paper that is expected to address the needs of emergency responders, further solidifying their cooperative efforts.

“Our collaboration with EENA has been invaluable,” Durscher noted. “This project with Black Channel builds upon our accumulated knowledge and allows us to test our innovations in demanding environments.”

Access Media Materials

Photos from the Adamello Glacier study can be found here.

For video highlights of the field study, please visit this link.

For additional inquiries, please contact:

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