Drones considered by St. Louis Fire Department
According to officials with the St. Louis Fire Department, it is possible that drones may go into service with the agency soon.
The department is considering the possibility of using drones for emergency rescues. Officials believe the drones would be able to see a fire or other emergency situation from the air, and by relaying that information, make it safer for fire personnel to take appropriate action.
Fire department personnel noted that reaction to a recent incident was delayed because the view of the scene the crews had was poor. Gregg Favre, the Fire Captain, suggested drones have technology that would dramatically improve rescue and recovery efforts in similar situations. Favre says that drones represent an advancement in technology that cannot be matched by sheer muscle power.
According to Captain Favre, funding for any drones would come out of the operational budget of the department. Each drone costs about $5,000, and would be able to sense body heat, and provide instantaneous pictures from the air of a potentially hazardous situation. If department officials decide to go ahead with the idea, they could put drones in service within the next 12 months.
Fire department officials might consider working with brochure printers on a booklet for residents, explaining the abilities of the drones and how they can help the department’s rescue efforts.
The department is considering the possibility of using drones for emergency rescues. Officials believe the drones would be able to see a fire or other emergency situation from the air, and by relaying that information, make it safer for fire personnel to take appropriate action.
Fire department personnel noted that reaction to a recent incident was delayed because the view of the scene the crews had was poor. Gregg Favre, the Fire Captain, suggested drones have technology that would dramatically improve rescue and recovery efforts in similar situations. Favre says that drones represent an advancement in technology that cannot be matched by sheer muscle power.
According to Captain Favre, funding for any drones would come out of the operational budget of the department. Each drone costs about $5,000, and would be able to sense body heat, and provide instantaneous pictures from the air of a potentially hazardous situation. If department officials decide to go ahead with the idea, they could put drones in service within the next 12 months.
Fire department officials might consider working with brochure printers on a booklet for residents, explaining the abilities of the drones and how they can help the department’s rescue efforts.