In the Faroe Islands, nature and weather can be harsh - and requires both a good overview and the latest technology in rescue operations. Using live video from drones, volunteer rescuers now have the opportunity to get eyes on the scene and share with police and fire services.
When rescuers from the LFB (Landsforeningen for Bjærgningsforeningerne (LFB)) go out in their specialised unit LFB Drona, it is often in some of the most demanding terrain in the Nordic region. Steep cliffs, deep fjords and unpredictable weather place high demands on both overview and safety. That's why the volunteer emergency services have chosen to enhance their efforts with professional technology.
"When we are called out, it's often about finding people who have gone missing. It's an obligatory task. Even though we are volunteers, our equipment and methods must be highly professional. That's why we have chosen to use the video solution, IncidentShare," says Jens Hansen, who coordinates LFB's drone project at LFB Drona.
Via IncidentShare, LFB Drona can send live video from the air to both police and fire departments. The drone is equipped with a thermal imaging camera and live video is streamed via encrypted connections, giving incident commanders a secure, clear and visual overview without spending time on verbal communication.
"We have removed an entire communication link. When the police can see the same thing as us in real time, we avoid misunderstandings. We move our eyes directly to the scene," says Jens Hansen from LFB Drona.
The system has been used in several critical incidents.
In one case, a person was reported missing. Using the drone and thermal imaging camera, LFB Drona found the person who had fallen 20 meters down a hillside after just five minutes. The live video helped document and search the area efficiently so that the same area was not revisited multiple times.
In another incident, the technology was used to monitor a fire. The thermal images on the drone showed exactly where heat and smoke were concentrated, allowing the fire department to prioritise their response quickly and safely.
"In situations like search and fire, IncidentShare gives us - and the incident commander - the best possible overview without putting the crew at risk," says Jens Hansen