Drone for Search and Rescue: Improving Outcomes When Seconds Count

As technology and legislation advances, small unmanned aerial systems (SUAS), better known as drones, have begun to become an integral part of emergency services. Large departments such as the New York City fire department and the National Park Service have implemented very successful programs. However, many departments are still not using them despite this uptick in usage. In order to improve accessibility of this technology, I set out to perform field research and develop a series of public service announcement videos combined with standard operating procedures (SOPs) in order to create a model that can help departments start their own SUAS programs. Through hours of fieldwork, I was able to develop policies and procedures that I then laid out in various videos and SOPs, all with the intention of improving accessibility to this technology. The benefits of SUAS are numerous and can greatly improve patient outcomes as well as improve first responder safety. Through my research, I created a strong foundation for any department no matter the size or location to be able to start their own program with relative ease.