Nevada and California agencies are working hand-in-hand to advance drone use in emergency evacuations. Recently, a first-of-its kind evacuation drill was performed on the Nevada-California border. The drone was faced with two missions during the drill, one was to deliver medical supplies to an injured firefighter and the other was to transmit live video of the scene while a helicopter was dispatched to fly just hundreds of feet below the drone.
The mission was a success. “We’re all realizing significant value of drones in these operations, going where humans can’t go, and we’re barely scratching the surface of opening this industry to include all sizes of drones,” says Chris Walach, Senior Director of all FAA-designated Nevada UAS test sites and NIAS.
“The Bi-State Evacuation Drill was a clear demonstration of how we can all work together, potentially saving lives and saving tax payers dollars,” said District Fire Chief, Ryan Sommers.
“One life saved makes the past and future investment in the Nevada (UAS) industry or Nevada-based drone companies like Drone America all worth it,” said Walach.
Source: https://bit.ly/2M0DhAf