(China)
Chinese drone making giant DJI has released a report claiming civilian drones have saved the lives of at least 59 people worldwide since 2013.
Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) are increasingly being used by emergency services in situations where they can respond faster and more effectively than humans. And in some cases these crews have even used bystanders’ drones, according to DJI.
The report reveals that 31 of the 59 “lives were saved during floods, as drones spotted missing people and in some cases delivered rescue ropes and life jackets so they could be brought to safety” while “another 19 missing people were found on land, on terrain ranging from swamps to mountains to snowbanks”.
The report also states that “38 of those lives were saved in just the last 10 months, as drones are increasingly adopted by rescuers and civilians alike”. Click here for the full report and links to the incidents cited.
“The clear conclusion is that drones are regularly saving lives around the world. This is occurring even though professional rescue crews are just beginning to adopt UAS technology, and in many cases are relying on bystanders or volunteers to provide lifesaving assistance,” concludes the report from DJI’s Policy & Legal Affairs Department. “DJI is at the forefront in efforts to develop best practices and optimal standards for firefighters, rescue services and other first responders to integrate drones into their command protocols. As these efforts continue, we expect the number of lives saved by drones to continue to grow.”
