Drone Operations Raise Fire and EMS Response to New Heights
By: Orange County Communications Department
Great things often come in small packages. In Orange County, a device stored in a case only slightly larger than a laptop bag is already making huge impacts in emergency response. It ’ s an Enterprise Series DJI Mavic 2 drone, piloted by Orange County Firefighter/EMT Lawrence “ Casey ” Kearnes, which has already assisted in the rescue of two (2) individuals. A personal interest in aviation helped bring these new capabilities to the department. “ It began as a hobby for me. But, realizing it could be another ‘ tool - in - the - toolbox ’ for rescues, I asked [Chief Nathan Mort] and he approved, ” said Kearnes. The drone ’ s missions exclusively focus on search and rescue (SAR) and fire response. It is well - equipped for both. Armed with Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) technology, the drone can detect “ hot spots ” (areas of increased temperature compared to the surrounding environment) and relay that information to a readout on the pilot ’ s controls. For search and rescue, this capability helps pick out a human body from the landscape, even at night. When responding to structure fires, a building section displaying as hotter is likely the “ seat ” of the fire.
The drone can provide accurate temperature readouts for a specific location from hundreds of feet in the air or help define the edges of large brush fires. Such information helps guide the efforts of first responders on the ground while keeping them safer throughout. Adaptable to mission specifics, the drone can also be equipped with a spotlight, a loudspeaker, or a beacon. Multiple batteries allow flight times over one and half (1.5) hours. To prepare for this role, Firefighter/EMT Kearnes enrolled in a self - study program with a curriculum much like that of traditional aircraft pilots, culminating in a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) exam taken at Hanover County Municipal Airport. Due to COVID - 19, he had
to wait several weeks to find a location offering the test on a day he wasn ’ t on shift. Drawing on his background as a hobbyist and now holding a Part 107 Commercial Drone Pilot ’ s License, Kearnes says
experience is still key, and some only comes from the field. At a recent rescue, he learned better ways to apply the FLIR technology at different altitudes. “ Flying is one part, applying tools is another, ” noted Kearnes. This drone was purchased to facilitate “ proof - of - concept, ” but it has already demonstrated its worth and Chief Mort is considering licensing additional staff and purchasing additional drones. The decreasing price point of drone systems is easily weighed against their value in the field. When deployed from a command center - equipped vehicle, drones can transmit information to incident commanders, as well as the pilot, in real - time. The resulting connected response gives the best chance of positive outcomes during an emergency.
Page 5 | March, 2022
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