DroneControl recently partnered with the Black Forest Mountain Rescue Service (Bergwacht Schwarzwald e.V.) for the second Drohnenforum day, held at the brand-new mountain rescue centre in Hinterzarten, Germany. This collaboration brought together top experts and industry leaders to showcase the latest innovations and best practices in drone technology, specifically geared towards emergency services and rescue operations.
The event featured a diverse agenda, with presentations by key professionals from across the fields of mountain rescue, police, fire departments, and drone technology development.
Drones in Mountain Rescue – Operational Tactics
David Hierholzer, Head of Mountain Rescue for Bergwacht Schwarzwald, opened the forum with a presentation on the operational tactics for using drones in mountain rescue. As rescue missions in remote and mountainous areas present unique challenges, drones have become a crucial asset for locating missing persons and assisting in time-sensitive operations. David provided insight into how the Black Forest team has integrated drones into their day-to-day rescue missions, improving safety for both rescuers and those in need.
Police Drones: Opportunities and Risks
Michael Rebstock from the Police Helicopter Squadron offered an in-depth look at the use of drones in law enforcement. With an emphasis on the balance between opportunity and risk, he shared how police drones are being deployed to enhance surveillance, improve crowd management at major events, and assist in search and rescue missions. He also discussed the challenges that come with drone use, including privacy concerns and potential technical limitations.
Drones in Use at Major Events
Dirk Müller from ASB Karlsruhe provided insights into the role drones play during large-scale events. Whether it’s managing crowd safety or overseeing vast areas, drones have become a reliable tool for event organizers. Dirk's presentation underscored the growing need for aerial surveillance to ensure public safety during major gatherings.
Drones in Water Rescues – Exchange of Experiences
Christian Tonner from the Lörrach Fire Department shared valuable lessons learned from utilizing drones in water rescue operations. By offering an aerial perspective and rapid response, drones have revolutionized water-based rescues, allowing teams to locate and assist victims faster. Christian’s experience highlighted the growing importance of drones in emergency services beyond land-based rescues.
DroneControl’s Innovative Technology Showcased
A highlight of the event was a live demonstration by Jeff Stone, DroneControl Dach Business Development lead, and Thomas Ingold, DroneControl CEO. Together, they showcased the company's cutting-edge FirstResponder technology, which includes secure live streaming, remote control features, and advanced geolocation capabilities that integrate postal address identification and the What3words system. This technology is designed to offer real-time data to responders, enhancing the precision and speed of rescue operations.
For the first time, the beta version of the DroneControl secure portal was also revealed. This web-based solution allows for comprehensive pilot and fleet organization, automated flight log management, and equipment maintenance tracking. Soon to be added to this platform are flight planning, risk assessment, and secure evidence upload capabilities, which will further streamline the operations of drone teams in rescue and emergency situations.
Great Feedback and Discussions
The event sparked valuable discussions among attendees, with many expressing appreciation for the advancements being made in drone technology for emergency services. Feedback on the DroneControl demonstrations was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the practicality and reliability of the company’s innovative solutions for the mountain rescue and emergency services sectors.
DroneControl's Commitment to Supporting Life-Saving Initiatives
DroneControl is proud to support such critical events and is committed to developing technology that enhances the safety and efficiency of rescue missions. The partnership with Bergwacht Schwarzwald e.V. and the second Drohnenforum day marks another step forward in DroneControl’s mission to provide cutting-edge tools for emergency responders and rescue teams.
This event in Hinterzarten, along with the insightful discussions and demonstrations, exemplifies the importance of collaboration and innovation in improving rescue missions, making the future of emergency services more efficient and effective. Many thanks to Kai, Timo, Matthias and the full team at Bergwacht Schwarzwald e.V. for organising such a fantastic day.
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