WHERE: 645 E. Cope Industrial Way, Palmer Alaska
WHEN: 8/1/2019
Palmer Fire & Rescue could use assistance in acquiring a UAV/UAS drone. The department covers over 2000 square miles for rescue services with the largest majority only accessible by four wheelers, snowmobiles (winter), or foot. In addition, we assist neighboring departments when requested and some of their coverage area for rescue is larger than ours. We also assist local police agencies in searching for lost children or adults.
Having a drone to narrow the search areas during those emergencies would be extremely helpful. During some of the emergencies, we are told a location for the patient(s) and they are only a mile away. Most times, the patient(s) are at a greater distance and not in the location given. Using the drone can help locate any patient and help to confirm locations.
Palmer Fire and Rescue works to provide residents and those in surrounding communities with exceptional fire protection, safety and rescue services. As such, the company is always looking for creative ways to enhance their services and operations to benefit all those they serve and protect. In emergency situations, every second is deemed important. UAV (unmanned aerial vehicles) and drone technology can provide lifesaving assistance to public safety departments/companies with emergency calls. Unfortunately, many public safety departments/companies across the nation cannot afford to purchase drones, as the cost of the technology is very high, this forces many to simply go without.
Airborne Works hoped to alleviate this issue when establishing the National Public Safety Drone Donation Program (NPS-DDP) a UAV/drone donation program whereby public safety departments/companies may apply to receive a UAV/drone at no cost to the department/company. Palmer Fire and Rescue have been chosen as the recipient of a drone that will be generously donated to the program by Autel Robotics.
