Drones to the rescue: autonomous flying vehicles can save lives

In late , an autonomous drone delivered a defibrillator to the site of a cardiac arrest in Trollhättan, Sweden. Arriving within three minutes of emergency services being alerted, this rapid action saved the life of the 71-year-old man, who had collapsed while shovelling snow on his driveway.

Check now

This incident showed just how far drones have come for essential purposes such as medical uses, offering the potential to arrive at the scene much faster than an ambulance.

That’s key when it comes to a sudden cardiac arrest, where speed is of the essence: for every minute after someone’s heart stops, their survival chances are thought to drop 10%. As a major global killer, current survival rates are perhaps 10% or less when this occurs outside hospitals.

And there’s significant room for further development of autonomous drones for such purposes. Founded in , a student team on the HORYZN initiative at the Technical University of Munich in Germany is aiming to develop an uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) that can deliver defibrillators.

Johannes Werner, business lead on HORYZN, said that a key difference compared with some other initiatives is that the team is optimising drones around defibrillators to create the perfect vehicle for this particular use, rather than adding them on to existing commercial drones.

Johannes Werner, responsible for business development in the HORYZN initiative: “Studies in recent years have shown it’s beneficial to deliver defibrillators and other medical supplies with drones. Once the regulations allow such drones, it’s exciting because you can use them for a lot of stuff.” – Read the interview with Johannes Werner

The idea is that after the drone is given the coordinates of the patient’s location, it flies to the scene, lowers the defibrillator with a winch and flies back again. Before an ambulance arrives, bystanders or someone with a medical background – potentially alerted by a smartphone-based system – can then administer the aid.

Tripling survival

The HORYZN team believes drones flying at up to 125 kilometres per hour could slash the average arrival time at a scene to four or five minutes, compared with around 10 minutes by ambulance in Germany, tripling the survival rate. “This is theoretical and, of course, it’s hard to prove, but the numbers make sense,” said Werner.

Having already demonstrated a first prototype of the drone in December , the team is now developing a second and hopes to fly a full mission in realistic conditions during the second half of . This will involve the drone flying six kilometres in real airspace beyond visual line of sight, with Werner believing that such a system could be usable within as little as two or three years – although this also requires the relevant authorisations being in place for flying above populated areas.

Balázs Nagy, founder and leader of the HORYZN initiative: “Of course, this is not the range and speed that is technically feasible, but rather what we have found reasonable to develop from the regulators’ point of view in the first step. Our vision is, of course, an even more efficient system in the future that has both better technical properties and an improved medical concept that also operates nationwide. However, our approach is always to develop step by step and to increase the complexity incrementally.”

Werner added that HORYZN’s identity as a student team brings certain advantages. “We have no commercial pressure,” he pointed out. “We need money for building it, of course, but we don’t have to finance our lives with it. We are also flexible and spontaneous.”

Human-level performance?

While some UAV projects focus on specific essential uses, others are trying to boost the performance of overall autonomous drone systems for more general application. Achieving this would boost their effectiveness not just for medical uses, but also for all sorts of other applications, from search and rescue to precision agriculture, building inspection and package delivery.

One such project is the EU-funded AGILEFLIGHT initiative, which wants to enable drones to come closer to the navigation performance, agility and speed of human pilots in complex, cluttered environments such as cities.

Professor Davide Scaramuzza, director of the Robotics and Perception Group at the University of Zurich in Switzerland and project lead on AGILEFLIGHT, explains that many current autonomous drones move slowly and look “clumsy” in the way they take off and land vertically. For navigation they also often use GPS, signals for which can be blocked by buildings and when indoors.

In contrast, Prof. Scaramuzza’s team is developing and testing vision-based algorithms on drones with four rotors – or quadrotors – employing a combination of both standard cameras and so-called ‘event cameras’ to function like human or animal eyes, meaning they don’t rely on external infrastructure to fly.

Unlike normal cameras, event cameras do not output full images and instead detect motion through changes in light intensity, outputting a continuous stream of ‘events’. This means they can react faster, at microsecond resolutions.

Prof. Scaramuzza said algorithms for vision- and perception-based navigation are currently mature, but often far from human pilot performance in speed and agility. This is also important considering the often limited battery time of 30 minutes in drones, calling for performance to be optimised within this timescale.

Prof. Davide Scaramuzza, director of the Robotics and Perception Group at the University of Zurich in Switzerland: “At the moment, the only way to accomplish more within the limited battery time of a drone is to fly faster to cover longer distances.”
Read the interview with Davide Scaramuzza

Simulation engines

To boost performance, the team is training algorithms using artificial intelligence and computer simulation via tools such as Unity and Unreal Engine, simulation engines used to make video games. This allows hundreds or thousands of scenarios to be played out to improve the machine-learning system far faster than via testing in the field. These are then used on drones for different types of test, including acrobatics, navigating ‘in the wild’ through environments such as forests, and racing around an aerial track.

Prof. Davide Scaramuzza: “We’re using more and more artificial intelligence by training vision algorithms on computer simulations… The idea is to design neural networks that take as inputs images from the camera and measurements from other sensors, and then output the commands for the drone.”

Already, these systems are enabling drones to perform almost as well or even better than some state-of-the-art human-controlled machines in certain tests. However, Prof. Scaramuzza explained that humans still have an advantage in adapting to different conditions, such as changes in the environment, wind or brightness – so there is room for improvement here too.

Exploring disaster areas

In addition, during the course of AGILEFLIGHT, Prof. Scaramuzza wants to demonstrate autonomous exploration of a known building as fast as possible as an entry point for using drones in search-and-rescue applications. To improve this, he said it would also be necessary to collect better data sets of disaster situations to “realify” simulations in environments that “violate all the usual assumptions”.

Clearly, wider use of the technology again relies on having the regulations in place, but Prof. Scaramuzza says these are getting better in areas such as search and rescue.

He predicts that within about five years we could have autonomous drones that reach human-level performance for certain applications. And he says the potential for the algorithms stretches beyond drones, in areas such as self-driving cars – where his team is working with a number of companies.

Professor Davide Scaramuzza: “My hope is that such technology can help save people’s lives in the aftermath of a disaster or on the roads. But in general, we are helping the market whenever anyone needs a drone or robot that’s able to see.”

Related content

This week marks National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week, a time to recognize the lifesaving work of first responders and emergency professionals. In today’s emergency management landscape, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), or drones, have emerged as a game-changing tool to help those professionals save lives. Drones have become integral to disaster response, search and rescue, and incident management. Agencies across the country, from local fire departments to federal disaster teams, are launching or expanding drone programs to enhance situational awareness and responder safety.

The strategic value of drones in emergency services is clear: they can rapidly provide aerial eyes on a situation that would otherwise be dangerous or impossible for personnel to assess. As we honor EMS Week and the mission of saving lives, it’s an ideal time to explore how to build an effective drone program for emergency management.

In this blog, we offer a practical guide for emergency management agencies, public safety departments, and incident commanders looking to establish or scale up a drone response program. We will cover thestrategic benefits of UAS in emergencies, key equipment considerations (from drone platforms to payloads), and how tointegrate drones into emergency response workflows like the Incident Command System.

The Strategic Value of UAS in Emergency Management

Drones bring significant tactical and strategic advantages to emergency management agencies. A drone provides instant aerial perspective. This overhead view is crucial in fast-evolving incidents – whether it’s a wildfire, a flood, or a multi-vehicle accident – because it allows incident commanders to see the big picture in real time. Rather than relying on incomplete ground reports, decision-makers gain live video and thermal imagery of an incident scene, improving situational awareness and informing smarter strategies.

Some of the proven use cases where drones add value in emergencies include:

Search and Rescue

Quickly locating missing or injured persons in challenging terrain or disaster rubble. Drones equipped with infrared cameras can spot heat signatures of survivors at night or through dense foliage, speeding search missions. (In one real example, a thermal drone helped rescuers find a missing 6-year-old boy in Minnesota at 1:30 AM by detecting the child’s heat signature, after hundreds of volunteers on foot had searched for hours.)

Firefighting Support

Flying over structure fires or wildfires to map fire spread and identify hotspots, all without putting firefighters in danger. A drone’s eye in the sky can guide crews on the ground to where the fire is most intense or where embers are spreading . High-resolution and thermal imagery from above also helps in planning evacuation zones and staging areas safely away from the flames.

Disaster Damage Assessment

After hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, and floods, drones can be launched immediately to survey damage across wide areas. They capture high-resolution photos and videos used to map affected zones, assess structural damage, and prioritize relief efforts. This real-time damage assessment accelerates the recovery phase by helping agencies allocate resources where they’re needed most.

Hazardous Materials and CBRNE Incidents

In chemical, biological, or radiological emergencies, drones can carry specialized sensors to remotely detect hazardous substances, allowing teams to gauge threats from a safe standoff distance . By accessing hard-to-reach or contaminated areas, a drone keeps hazmat responders out of harm’s way while providing the data needed to contain the incident.

Situational Overwatch and Tactical Operations

During complex incidents like mass casualty scenes or law enforcement standoffs, drones can silently hover above to provide overwatch. This real-time intelligence – streaming live video to commanders – improves coordination of ground units. 

Core Equipment Considerations

Building a drone response program starts with choosing the right equipment. Not all drones are created equal, especially when it comes to the demands of emergency services. Here are some core equipment considerations to ensure your drones can withstand operational realities:

• Durability and Weather Resistance: Emergency scenarios don’t wait for fair weather, so your drones must be tough. Public safety drones should be built to handle harsh environments – from rain and high winds to smoke and dust. Look for airframes with weather-resistant ratings (such as IP43, IP45 or higher) that can tolerate water and grit. Rugged construction is important both for outdoor use and for the bumps and scrapes of frequent deployments.
  

  NEW WING Drone Winch contains other products and information you need, so please check it out.

• Extended Flight Time: Every minute counts in an emergency. Longer flight time translates to greater area coverage and fewer interruptions for battery swaps. Endurance should be a key spec in your drone selection. Modern public safety UAS commonly offer 30–55 minutes of flight time on a single battery. Aim for platforms that advertise extended flight times (30+ minutes) so you can sustain aerial overwatch during critical operations.
  

• Reliable Connectivity and Range: In disaster response, drones often need to fly beyond the immediate line of sight of the pilot or relay live video over long distances. A reliable control link and video transmission system are therefore essential. Prioritize drones that use robust, secure communication links (like digital encrypted radio or LTE-based systems) to ensure you maintain control and data downlink even in complex terrain or urban environments.
  

• GPS and Navigation Precision: In chaotic disaster scenes, GPS reliability can be a challenge (think of dense urban downtowns or forest canopies). Yet precise navigation is important – whether you’re trying to hover steadily over a point of interest or fly a mapping mission. Ensure your drones have high-quality GNSS receivers (GPS plus alternatives like GLONASS, Galileo) and ideally support RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) positioning or other augmentation for improved accuracy.
  

• Platform Size and Portability: Think about the size and form-factor of the drones you deploy. A mix of platforms can be advantageous: for example, a small portable drone (under 5 lbs) that fits in a backpack for quick deployment by a single operator, and a larger workhorse drone for heavy-lift or longer endurance tasks. Smaller drones (like foldable quadcopters) are great for rapid assessment in tight spots or indoor use, whereas larger drones can carry more capable sensors and withstand tougher weather. Evaluate your typical mission profile: in urban search and rescue you may need a small agile drone to fly inside collapsed structures, while for wide-area disaster surveys a bigger drone or even a fixed-wing UAS might be better suited.
  

• COO Compliance (NDAA and “Blue UAS”): Government agencies and grant-funded programs often have to follow equipment compliance rules. A major consideration in recent years is the U.S. National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) provisions that prohibit using federal funds to obtain drones from certain foreign manufacturers (notably Chinese companies) due to perceived security concerns. Many state and local agencies are likewise choosing or required to use “NDAA-compliant” drones – essentially platforms with domestically or allied-manufactured components that meet supply chain security criteria.
  
  The Department of Defense’s Blue UAS initiative goes a step further by vetting and approving specific drone models as secure and safe for government use . When selecting equipment for your drone program, it’s wise to factor in these compliance aspects. 

By carefully weighing these core equipment factors you can choose drones and accessories that will stand up to the realities of emergency response. Remember that your drone is an operational tool; it must be ready to perform in life-and-death situations. Investing in reliable, public safety-grade equipment will pay off the first time you deploy it.

Drone Platform & Payload Recommendations

With the general requirements in mind, what types of drone platforms and payloads make sense for emergency management? In this section, we’ll provide some recommendations for capabilities to look for, based on common scenarios:

Multi-rotors (Quadcopters/Hexacopters) 

The workhorse of public safety drone programs is typically a multi-rotor platform. These drones can take off and land vertically (no runway needed), hover in place, and maneuver in tight areas – all essential traits for emergency scenes. Look for an enterprise-graded option with at least 30 minutes of flight time, weather-resistant airframe, and support for modular payloads. A mid-sized quadcopter can handle most missions from mapping to overwatch, while a larger hexacopter might offer more stability in high winds and redundancies (like extra motors) for added safety.

Some agencies use tethered drones since they draw power from the ground and don’t rely on batteries. Tethered systems trade mobility for persistence, so you might deploy them at a fixed command post while also having free-flying drones for roaming tasks.

Fixed-Wing UAS

Fixed-wing UAS (airplane-style drones) are less common in tactical response but can be very useful for wide-area surveys and disasters covering large geography. They typically have much longer flight times (several hours) and greater range, which is beneficial for monitoring extensive flood plains, large wildfire perimeters, or searching vast wilderness. If your agency’s responsibilities include regional damage assessment or mapping, a fixed-wing drone with mapping camera could be a valuable addition. Keep in mind they need space to launch and land.

Optical Camera Payloads

A high-quality optical/RGB camera is a staple payload for any drone program. This usually means at least a 4K resolution video camera with zoom capability. For emergency work, a zoom lens (optical zoom) is extremely valuable.

Some payloads offer powerful dual or multi sensor setups: for instance, a gimbal that has both a zoom 4K video camera and a radiometric thermal camera side by side. This dual payload is ideal for public safety because it covers day/night and detail at range. Ensure any camera you deploy has stabilization for steady imagery, and consider low-light performance as well (larger sensors, high ISO capability) for dusk/dawn operations.

Thermal/Infrared Cameras

Thermal imaging is indispensable for finding people, detecting fires, and even seeing through smoke. Many drone models marketed for public safety come with thermal options.

When selecting a thermal camera, consider the resolution (640x512 or x; higher is better for clarity) and the temperature sensitivity. Some cameras also provide temperature measurement, which can be useful for hazmat (reading tank temperatures from afar) or firefighting (measuring hotspot temps). A dual thermal+visible gimbal is often the most efficient choice so you can toggle between views.

Specialty Payloads 

One advantage of a robust drone platform is the ability to swap payloads depending on the mission. Beyond the standard visual and thermal cameras, consider acquiring or budgeting for some specialty payloads:

• Loudspeaker/PA System: Useful for making announcements from the air – e.g., guiding a lost hiker or alerting a crowd to evacuate. Drones with integrated loudspeakers have been used to reassure trapped victims and give instructions when other communication is down .
  

• High-Powered Spotlight: A steerable searchlight on a drone can illuminate areas at night for ground teams or help in searches. It’s like having a movable floodlight in the sky, which can be crucial in nighttime disaster scenes or to signal to a lost person.
  

• Delivery Mechanism: Some drones can carry and drop small payloads – for example, delivering a flotation device to a drowning victim, or an AED (defibrillator) to the site of a cardiac arrest. In fact, drones have already been credited with helping save cardiac arrest patients by delivering defibrillators faster than ambulances in trials . If your community has areas that are hard to reach quickly by vehicle (remote trails, high-rise buildings, etc.), a drone with a delivery winch or drop-box could be a literal lifesaver.
  

• Gas/Specialty Sensors: As mentioned, drones can be outfitted with chemical sensors (for chlorine, ammonia, etc.), radiation detectors, or other environmental sensors to support hazardous materials response . If your agency handles a lot of industrial incidents or homeland security missions, integrating these sensors allows the drone to double as a remote monitor.
  

• Mapping Cameras or LiDAR sensors: For agencies focused on disaster assessment and reconstruction, a high-megapixel mapping camera or even a lightweight LiDAR unit can be a great addition. These payloads allow drones to create detailed 3D maps of wreckage, generate orthoimagery for GIS, and survey terrain changes (like landslide volumes or flood extents). They tend to be used in the post-disaster phase more than the initial lifesaving phase, but having that capability in-house can significantly speed up recovery efforts.
  
  

Redundancy and Spares 

A quick note on equipment philosophy: emergency drone programs should plan for redundancy. This means having at least one backup drone (if not more) and critical spare parts (propellers, batteries, etc.).

In the high-stakes world of emergency response, you can’t afford to be grounded because one drone had a malfunction or is stuck in maintenance. Many agencies start with two or three identical drones, so that if one is out of service, others can fill in.

Likewise, invest in plenty of batteries and perhaps additional charging hubs – you’ll need the endurance for sustained operations. Maintenance gear like extra propeller blades, motor spares, and tools for field repair are also part of your equipment considerations. Incorporate a routine for battery rotation and health checks, since battery failures can end a mission prematurely.

Integrating Drones into Emergency Management Workflows

Drones should not operate in a silo or as a novelty; they need to be a standard tool within the Incident Command System and your SOPs, so that everyone knows when and how to deploy them during an incident.

Incorporate Drones into the Incident Command System (ICS)

Most emergency responses use the ICS structure to manage resources and personnel. Your drone team (even if it’s a single pilot at first) should be incorporated into that structure from the outset. 

In practice, this means establishing a clear chain of command and communication for UAS operations at an incident. For example, many fire departments and emergency agencies assign a UAS Unit Leader or an “Air Operations” function within the ICS organization. The person in this role (sometimes called an Air Boss in large incidents) coordinates all drone flights, ensures deconfliction with manned aircraft, and keeps the Incident Commander informed of aerial observations . 

In smaller incidents, a dedicated Air Boss might not be necessary, butassigning a single point of contact for drone operations (e.g. the UAS pilot or a supervisor) helps maintain unity of command. The rest of the incident management team should understand that the drone unit is there to support operations, much like any other sector or division in ICS.

Train Your Team in ICS and NIMS 

It’s not just the commanders who need to know how drones fit in – the drone pilots and crew themselves must be fluent in ICS principles. A drone operator showing up to a disaster should know how to report to Command, how to communicate on the radio using clear text, and how to prioritize missions according to the incident objectives. Familiarity with the National Incident Management System (NIMS) is key. 

Make ICS and NIMS training (such as FEMA’s ICS-100, 200, 700 courses) a prerequisite for your drone team. This common framework ensures that when a drone is deployed, it operates as an integrated resource, not a rogue element. It also builds trust with other responders – firefighters and police officers will be more comfortable with drones overhead when they know the operators are following the same incident command protocols.

Develop Clear Deployment Protocols

Determine when and how drones will be requested and used in your emergency operations. For example, you might write into your emergency operations plan that “upon report of a lost person in [County], the on-call UAS team should be notified for potential deployment” or “a drone will be dispatched to any 2nd alarm fire for size-up.” 

By having trigger points or criteria, you normalize the use of drones as part of the standard response package. During an incident, the process for launching a drone should be clearly defined: Who approves the flight? On what radio channel will the pilot communicate? Is there a need to establish a no-fly zone for other aircraft? Consider integrating drone activation into your run cards or dispatch protocols, similar to how you’d dispatch special rescue units. Having a standard workflow for requesting and deploying drones ensures they are used consistently when they can add value.

Real-Time Coordination and Data Sharing

Once a drone is in the air at an incident, you need a plan for who will receive its information and how. The goal is to feed the drone’s live intelligence to the people who need it without delay. Many agencies establish a system where the drone pilot is in direct communication with the Incident Commander or Operations Section. 

For instance, the pilot might be monitoring the fireground radio channel and can chime in with critical observations. Additionally, use technology to your advantage: set up the drone’s controller to live-stream video to command posts, emergency operations centers, or even to mobile devices carried by team leaders. 

Modern drone software and apps allow streaming to secure web links or integration with tools like EOCs and GIS dashboards. By doing this, you enable what Homeland Security calls “real-time situational awareness” – multiple personnel can watch the live feed and make informed decisions collaboratively. 

Agencies have found that this real-time coordination significantly enhances decision-making and resource deployment, as drones “provide live video feeds and data streams to command centers, facilitating immediate decision-making and efficient allocation of resources” .

Airspace Deconfliction and Safety

If your drone is sharing the sky with other aircraft (news helicopters, police helicopters, or water-dropping planes in a wildfire), it’s imperative to have airspace coordination. 

Within ICS, this is handled by the Air Operations branch or the Air Boss, but even on small scenes the drone pilot must stay alert to incoming medical helicopters or low-flying planes. Establish procedures such as: always announce your drone operations on the relevant frequency, use a strobe or identifiable lighting on the drone, and if a manned aircraft is inbound, be prepared to immediately descend or land the UAS. 

Some jurisdictions set up Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) for major incidents, which helps keep unaffiliated drones (e.g. hobbyists or media) out of the area – make sure your team knows how to comply with TFRs and coordinate with any Air Traffic Control if near controlled airspace. Detection of “rogue” drones is another emerging need; larger agencies might employ counter-UAS measures or at least have a plan if an unknown drone is flying in your incident airspace. 

On a day-to-day basis, maintaining visual line of sight, respecting altitude limits, and having a dedicated visual observer can go a long way to ensuring safe drone integration in a busy emergency scene.

Integration with Existing Tech and Systems

Incorporate drone data into the tools your agency already uses. For example, many Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs) use GIS mapping systems or programs like WebEOC to track incidents – make sure your drone imagery can be quickly added to those systems

If your 911 dispatch or CAD system supports it, note in the call comments when a drone is being deployed so all responding units know. Some drones allow direct feed into platforms integrated with 911 centers; others rely on the pilot to share a URL for live video. 

Whatever the case,drone operations should be part of the communication plan. In training exercises, practice having the drone team feed intel to planning meetings or briefings. For instance, during a large wildfire, the UAS team might provide an updated aerial map before each operational briefing, giving crews the latest look at fire spread. 

Finally, make drones a routine part of after-action reviews and continuous improvement. After each deployment, evaluate how effectively the drone was used within the workflow. Did the Incident Commander get the info they needed? Was there confusion about who had airspace control? Use those lessons to refine your procedures. 

Success in Integration

Drones are rapidly becoming indispensable partners in emergency management. From providing a bird’s-eye view of disasters, to delivering critical medical supplies, to keeping responders out of harm’s way, a well-run drone program extends the capabilities of any emergency agency.

Building a drone program requires more than just buying a drone or two – it takes strategic planning around equipment, training, and workflows. The insights above highlight that success lies in integration: integrating the right durable equipment, integrating drones into the incident command framework, and integrating sound policies and training for sustained operations. 

Advexure is here to help as a resource and partner in this journey. With deep experience in public safety UAS solutions, our team can assist in everything from selecting NDAA-compliant drone platforms to developing training programs and standard operating procedures tailored to your mission. We understand the unique challenges first responder agencies face and can provide guidance to build or expand your drone program the right way – with safety, compliance, and effectiveness at the forefront

The company is the world’s best Rescue Drone Winch supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

Resources & Further Reading