Another search for a missing person has ended with a positive result, thanks to the use of a drone equipped with a thermal camera. You couldn’t have asked for a better outcome.
Picture this: An elderly man with dementia wanders off. It happens, unfortunately, and this time it happened at night. The gentleman left his family home in Grant County, east of Seattle, at about 1:30 a.m. It was, obviously, pitch black. A 911 call was placed, and the Hartline and Almira Volunteer Fire Departments responded.
Thankfully, they had a thermal-equipped drone.
Thick brush
The area they were searching was challenging. Not only was it dark, but tall brush meant that even flashlights were of limited use. The departments quickly launched a drone. And, as you likely know, a thermal sensor will highlight objects depending on their heat signature. Colder spots – like the ground – show up dark, and warmer objects are brighter.
It’s this sharp contrast that searchers are looking for. And…
