Long-range drones a ‘gamechanger’ for emergency rescue service

Surf Life Saving NSW, a water safety and emergency rescue organization in Australia, is trialing new drone technology to look for missing bushwalkers or people swept into rough seas.

In recent trials funded by the government, long-range drones equipped with thermal cameras were flown to look for mock hikers who were “lost” in nearby scrubland — both during the day and at night. Buoyed by the results, Surf Life Saving NSW is now assessing if the technology could be rolled out permanently.

Drone training specialist Aviassist, which was instrumental in gaining regulatory approvals, has called the technology a “gamechanger” and likened drones to a “teammate” for first responders. Here’s Aviassist managing director Ross Anderson:

Every second counts in these situations. So, if a drone can be launched with thermal cameras, a missing person or a group of people can be found quickly and that can be the difference between life and…