Utilizing Drones to Restore and Maintain Radio Communication During Search and Rescue Operations
| Autor: | Jake N. McRae, Brandon M. Nielsen, Christopher J. Gay, Andrew P. Hunt, Andrew D. Nigh |
|---|---|
| Rok vydání: | 2021 |
| Předmět: |
Mountain rescue
Aircraft Computer science business.industry Communication Public Health Environmental and Occupational Health Poison control 030208 emergency & critical care medicine 030229 sport sciences System configuration Computer security computer.software_genre Drone 03 medical and health sciences 0302 clinical medicine Software deployment Rescue Work Emergency Medicine Humans Wilderness medicine Telecommunications equipment business computer Search and rescue |
| Zdroj: | Wilderness & Environmental Medicine. 32:41-46 |
| ISSN: | 1080-6032 |
| Popis: | Introduction The ability of rescuers to maintain contact with incident command (IC) and each other is a critical component of search and rescue (SAR) operations. When rescuers lose radio communication with operation leaders, the effectiveness of operations may be substantially affected. This often occurs owing to the limitations of standard communications equipment in difficult terrain or when victims are beyond line-of-sight. This study investigates the viability of using an aerial drone-repeater system configuration to restore and maintain radio communications between IC and deployed rescuers. Methods SAR operators in Southern Utah identified 10 areas where radio communication is compromised during live rescue operations. Trained SAR personnel were deployed to these areas in a mock exercise. After confirmed loss of communication, a repeater-equipped aerial drone was piloted 122 m above IC to restore communication. Once restored, communication was assessed at regular intervals for the duration of the mock deployment. Results In all 10 areas tested, communication was successfully restored. In all cases, once communication was restored, no additional loss of radio contact occurred. The time between communication loss and restoration across the 10 scenarios was 6.5±1.1 (4.4–9.3) min (mean±SD with range). Conclusions This method of restoring radio communication among SAR personnel could drastically improve the ability to assist victims and help mitigate the risks faced by rescuers. SAR leaders should be made aware of the useful applications of drones during SAR operations, especially in instances where communication is compromised. |
| Databáze: | OpenAIRE |
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