Drones are revolutionizing emergency response worldwide, offering unparalleled speed, precision, and cost-effectiveness. Water rescues present considerable challenges for rescue teams, as it is crucial to significantly shorten the rescue time to safeguard the lives of those in distress.
To improve searching efficiency, we have seen rescue teams integrate drones at different stages of the rescue mission. In Germany, some firefighters have integrated automated drone solutions into their operations to streamline sea rescues, while in Australia, Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ) has used drones to safeguard beachgoers from shark attacks. These cases underscore the essential role of drones in modern public safety.
DJI Enterprise solutions aid firefighters, search and rescue teams, and other public safety agencies in enhancing their search capabilities, thereby boosting the likelihood of saving lives. This article will explore how various solutions can assist at different stages of water rescues:
DJI Dock 2: Automated Initial Reconnaissance and Real-Time Updates
Our partner Drone-112 and Firefighter Timmendorfer Strand in Germany have tried the Dock2 for water rescue this summer on the Baltic Sea.
Upon receiving an alert about a sea accident, a DJI Dock 2 is launched within 60 seconds from the local fire department. Controlled through FlightHub 2 software, the Dock2 provides an immediate visual overview of the incident area, streaming live footage directly to the incident commander while they are en route. Using FlightHub2's 'Fly To' feature, operators can quickly direct the drone to specific coordinates on the map, ensuring precise positioning for rapid situational awareness.
As the Command and Control Vehicle (ELW) heads to the scene, the commander has already viewed these live images, enabling real-time assessment and adjustments to the response plan, including reallocating resources or modifying alert levels as needed.
DJI Dock2 In the Local Fire Department
FlightHub2: On-Site Positioning and Search Area Division
When the rescue teams arrive, how do we assign the teams? The DJI FlightHub2 coordinates the search, dividing the area into zones and assigning each rescue team a specific section to cover. Multiple drones operate at different altitudes, ensuring thorough scanning and preventing overlaps. This approach optimizes the efficiency of large-scale rescue efforts.
Flight Hub2 on Remote Control
M30T: Detection and Localization
The DJI M30T plays a pivotal role in this localization of subjects in the water, though its use varies significantly between different scenarios:
If victims are floating in the water, the M30T uses thermal imaging cameras to locate distressed individuals, even in challenging conditions such as poor visibility or rough seas. The drone's thermal sensors detect heat signatures, while its zoom and wide-angle cameras provide a clear view of the surroundings. These capabilities allow rescuers to pinpoint victims quickly and relay their precise location to command centers for immediate intervention.
Thermal Camera of M30T
- In Australia, Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ) uses M30T drones to patrol beach areas approximately every 45 minutes throughout the day, monitoring for sharks near swimmers and surfers. The high-resolution zoom and wide-angle cameras of M30T make it easy to detect movement in the water, even from a distance. Once a potential shark sighting is confirmed, lifeguards can initiate safety protocols, such as alerting swimmers, deploying jet skis, or temporarily closing the beach.
Zoom Camera of M30T
While the one case focuses on rescuing individuals in distress, the Australian approach demonstrates the M30T's effectiveness in proactive safety monitoring, showing its versatility across varied rescue contexts.
M350 RTK: Delivery of Life-Saving Equipment
For critical emergencies, the DJI M350RTK equipped with a TH4 drop system is used to deliver flotation devices, rescue vests or rescue rafts. This feature provides immediate support to individuals in distress, buying valuable time until rescue teams arrive.
DJI M350RTK Equipped With A TH4 drop System
Choosing the Right Drone for Each Stage
Each drone or software plays a distinct role in enhancing rescue efforts:
- DJI Dock2: Ideal for automated initial reconnaissance and live updates.
- FlightHub2: Central to on-site coordination and search area management.
- DJI M30T: Versatile for detection and localization, with thermal imaging excelling in rescue scenarios (Germany) and optical cameras supporting surveillance (Australia).
- DJI M350RTK: Critical for delivering life-saving equipment in emergencies.
- Feel free to check the videos of both cases to learn more:
Drone-112 With Firefighters in Germany
Surf Life Saving Queensland in Australia
The Future of Drone-Assisted Public Safety
From early reconnaissance to proactive monitoring and life-saving interventions, drones like the DJI Dock2, M30T, and M350RTK are revolutionizing rescue operations.
Drones are setting new standards in public safety, and their role in emergency response will continue to grow as technology advances. In the near future, DJI is working toward integrating cutting-edge features like AI, enhanced thermal imaging, and real-time data analytics. These advancements will streamline response times, improve accuracy, and broaden the impact of drones in rescue and public safety missions worldwide.
