A Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crew, specially trained in drone use, has located a person missing in bushland near Pitt Town, on Sydney’s north-western outskirts.
NSW Police had a concern for the welfare of the man seen entering bushland, but a ground search into the night proved unsuccessful. They requested the assistance of FRNSW, which dispatched a crew from Leura in the Blue Mountains to the scene off Airstrip Road.
Use of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems
The firefighters are specially trained in the use of RPAS or drones to find lost or missing people
The firefighters are specially trained in the use of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) or drones to find lost or missing people in challenging environments.
Using the drone’s infra-red heat signature capability, the crew located the missing man, around midnight and immediately provided the man’s co-ordinates to Police and Ambulance crews on the ground. The man, in good health, was guided out of danger.
FRNSW’s development
Acting Commander of FRNSW’s Aviation Unit, Act Russell Turner, said, "FRNSW’s development of an advanced, systematic method to search for people by drone represents an Australian first for emergency services."
He adds, "We are spreading that search and rescue methodology to our drone-trained crews across the state.”
