A person is missing, a train accident claims many injuries, a hiker falls in an area that is difficult to access – just three examples where the two Red Cross drones are used. Thanks to high-resolution cameras, loudspeakers, night vision and thermal imaging functions, the 25 people in the Red Cross drone unit get a better overview from the air during an operation and coordinate with other emergency services.
“The project started in 2017, our drone pilots have all undergone training and also have the long-distance pilot’s certificate from Austro Control,” says state rescue commander Reinhard Schmidt.
The drones are used at a flight altitude of up to around 80 meters, fly even in the rain and withstand wind peaks of up to 50 km/h. “In large operational areas, drones are ideal for coordinating the interaction between the emergency services,” says Gregor König from the Red Cross drone team. If the system proves its worth, more drones will be stationed in the districts.
Source: Nachrichten
