Using drones in search and rescue operations

Drones enable a significant enhancement in Search and Rescue (SAR) operations. Drones are a potential life-saving tool in SAR operations, providing critical support to SAR teams to reduce risk to humans, enable quicker search and provide aerial support during adverse weather conditions. 

The Buxton Mountain Rescue case study outlines the safety, economic and environmental benefits of using drones compared to current methods of search and rescue. The applications of drones outlined within this case study will demonstrate just how other emergency service sectors will benefit, understand the capabilities and potential opportunities for using drones in their organisations. 

Buxton Mountain Rescue Team had the opportunity to work with Connected Places Catapult as part of the Department for Transport funded Drone Pathfinder Catalyst Programme in organising a full demonstration day.   

On the day of the demonstration, the team were joined by drone leads from the statutory emergency services, other voluntary emergency services and drone industry innovators.   

The day began with some short presentations looking at the benefits and challenges of drone use within Mountain Rescue, as well as input from the Catapult team on their work and from Evolve Dynamics explaining the evolution of their all-weather drone The Sky Mantis.   

As part of the Drone Pathfinder Catalyst Programme, the team worked with Buxton Mountain Rescue and Evolve Dynamics on a demonstration video to showcase how drones can be used in search and rescue operations. You can watch it below.