In emergency search operations, every second counts. Drone solutions can quickly cover high-risk search missions in large, complex environments. Here, we explain a practical use case for Autel drones in high-risk search and rescue operations for psychiatric patients.
Source: Published by Dominik Vároš on LinkedIn
Background on the Autel Drone Search for a Psychiatric Patient
In this search operation, our drone mission was to locate a psychiatric patient who had evaded treatment, threatened suicide, and potentially harmed others. Furthermore, the incident occurred at night, making traditional ground-based search and rescue methods time-consuming and dangerous.
With its advanced technology, reliable performance, and flexible adaptability, Autel drones have become a valuable aid in search and rescue missions, providing strong support for protecting lives and property.
How do Autel drones conduct high-risk search operations?
Coordination and Precision: Multi-Drone Operations
In this typical high-risk search operation for a psychiatric patient, the area covered 10 hectares, the terrain was complex, the time was tight, and the nighttime search was challenging.
Emergency services and aviation safety teams deployed three drones, including an Autel drone, which operated in coordination with other brands, demonstrating exceptional coordination and precision.
Thanks to Autel's advanced flight management system, each drone was assigned a specific flight altitude and mission role, avoiding collisions or interference and ensuring seamless mission integration. Autel drones stand out for their superior autonomous flight technology.
For example, the EVO Max series utilizes Autel Autonomy technology, which supports global path planning and 3D scene reconstruction in complex environments, enabling high-precision navigation even in areas without GPS signal. This capability is particularly critical during search operations, enabling rapid coverage of large areas while providing commanders and operators with real-time, reliable data support.
During our training, five drone pilots, working with a single commander, successfully managed the synchronized operation of up to five drones, achieving extremely high coverage efficiency and mission success rates.
The Dual Perspectives of Thermal Imaging Drones
The success of search operations relies on multi-layered perspectives. In our mission, Autel drones were used in conjunction with DJI drones, creating a seamless synergy. One drone provides a high-altitude, long-range overview, rapidly scanning a 10-hectare area for potential targets; the other performs low-altitude, close-range flights for detailed navigation and target confirmation.
The Autel EVO MAX drone's 720° all-around perception and triple obstacle avoidance capabilities ensure reliable operation in all weather conditions. Whether in dense forests, complex urban environments, or at night, the Autel rescue drone accurately captures targets, providing critical information for operations.
Furthermore, the Autel drone's thermal imaging function plays an irreplaceable role in search operations. Thermal imaging technology can quickly identify human heat signatures, allowing targets to be quickly located even if hidden behind vegetation or obstacles. This is particularly important for searching for potentially dangerous mentally ill individuals, greatly improving operational efficiency and safety.
By adjusting the Autel thermal drone's thermal color palette, it is possible to accurately detect significant hotspots over a large area, pinpoint the location of mentally ill individuals, and conduct non-contact, real-time thermal tracking from the air, ultimately successfully controlling the individuals and alleviating social security crises.
Summary
Autel drones are portable and easy to operate. From rapid deployment to precise positioning, real-time collaboration, and efficient data processing, they provide comprehensive support for search and rescue missions.
In search and rescue operations, Autel drones, with their superior performance, flexible adaptability, and powerful collaborative capabilities, have become the tool of choice for professional teams. Choose an Autel drone to power your search and rescue operations.
