How Drones Support First Responders

Last month, a drone from Skyfire | AI was credited with saving a police officer’s life after a dramatic 2 a.m. traffic stop. Many statistics show that AI impacts billions of lives, but sometimes a story still hits me emotionally. Let me share what happened. Skyfire AI, an AI Fund portfolio company led by CEO Don Mathis, operates a public safety program in which drones function as first responders to 911 calls. Particularly when a police department is personnel-constrained, drones can save officers’ time while enhancing their situational awareness. For example, many burglar alarms are false alarms, maybe set off by moisture or an animal. Rather than sending a patrol officer to drive over to discover this, a drone can get there faster and determine if an officer is required at all. If the alarm is real, the drone can help officers understand the situation, the locations of any perpetrators, and how best to respond. In January, a Skyfire AI drone was returning to base after responding to a false alarm when the police dispatcher asked us to reroute it to help locate a patrol officer. The officer had radioed a few minutes earlier that he had pulled over a suspicious vehicle and had not been heard from since. The officer had stopped where two major highways intersect in a complex cloverleaf, and dispatch was unsure exactly where they were located. From the air, the drone rapidly located the officer and the driver of the vehicle he had pulled over, who it turned out had escaped from a local detention facility. Neither would have been visible from the road — they were fighting in a drainage ditch below the highway. Because of the complexity of the cloverleaf’s geometry, the watch officer (who coordinates police activities for the shift) later estimated it would have taken 5-7 minutes for an officer in a patrol car to find them. From the aerial footage, it appeared that the officer still had his radio, but was losing the fight and unable to reach it to call for help. Further, it looked like the assailant might gain control of his service weapon and use it against him. This was a dire and dangerous situation. Fortunately, because the drone had pinpointed the location of the officer and his assailant, dispatch was able to direct additional units to assist. The first arrived not in 5-7 minutes but in 45 seconds. Four more units arrived within minutes. The officers were able to take control of the situation and apprehend the driver, resulting in an arrest and, more important, a safe outcome for the officer. Subsequently, the watch officer said we’d probably saved the officer’s life. [Reach length limit; full text: https://lnkd.in/g3QdKp5Q ]

10 real-world lessons on public safety drones and tech from Sergeant Zach Finfrock on the Smart FireFighting Podcast 🚔 If the rig isn’t practical, the drone won’t fly Zach didn’t build a tech museum. He built a patrol-ready drone vehicle that works on every shift. It handles traffic stops, call responses, and drone launches without missing a beat. That’s how it should be. 🚁 Not replacing helicopters, just reducing wait times Before drones, air support meant maybe getting a chopper if one was free. Now Zach can launch in under a minute and get eyes on a scene before backup even arrives. 🔫 It’s not a toy. It’s another tool on the belt Most tools don’t get used every day. Doesn’t mean they’re optional. The same goes for drones. When you need it, you need it. Period. 📐 Flying a drone means juggling three rulebooks FAA regulations, state laws, and department policy…all at once. On top of the actual emergency unfolding in front of you. It’s not just flying. It’s operating with full accountability. 🗺️ Shared maps > shared radio chatter Drone Flight Hub lets departments drop pins, draw search zones, and stream live feeds. Everyone sees what’s happening without stepping on each other. It makes coordination feel like second nature. 👮♀️ Start with one drone and two solid pilots You don’t need a fleet. You need people who know how to fly and remain calm under pressure. Once the program proves itself, scaling is easy. Starting sloppily is how it dies. 🤔 Drones don’t solve calls. They make them safer Overwatch, recon, real-time support. That’s where drones shine. Not replacing responders, just giving them better tools to make better decisions. 🚨 Real-time crime isn’t a theory. It’s already happening Live drone feeds. Shared platforms. LPRs. Zach and his neighbors are already linking up and supporting each other in real time. It’s not hype. It’s just smart operations. 🔭 AI has potential. But trust comes first Zach isn’t against AI. He’s for smart use. The community has to know that tech helps them, not watches them. Use it well or don’t use it at all. 🙃 If it ain’t broke, cool. But don’t ignore what’s better Zach used to stick with what worked. Now he pushes to try what might work better. That mindset shift matters. Comfort doesn’t move the mission forward. What hit hardest for you? Full podcast episode here: Apple: https://lnkd.in/gKGXkwSh Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gRaSkYia #SmartFirstResponder #SmartFirefighting #DroneOps #PublicSafetyTech #LawEnforcementTools #DFR #RealTimeCrime #FirstResponderTech

Read the article here: PMID: 39961490 Imagine a world where life-saving technology flies directly to those in need! Danish researchers have just published groundbreaking results showing how semi-autonomous drones can deliver defibrillators to cardiac arrest victims. In this pioneering study conducted in Aalborg, Denmark, researchers successfully deployed AED-carrying drones to real cardiac emergencies. Unlike ambulances that face traffic and road constraints, these drones fly "as the crow flies" - taking the most direct route possible to reach patients. The results? All 16 drone deployments successfully delivered their AEDs without any safety incidents! The median drone response time was just 4 minutes and 47 seconds from dispatch to delivery. The hexacopter drones are remotely monitored by pilots (operating from across the border in Sweden!) and can fly beyond visual line of sight. When they reach their destination, they hover at 30 meters and lower the AED by winch, with a siren to help bystanders locate it. While there were challenges (weather issues prevented flights 29% of the time, and technical glitches caused 27% of cancellations), this study proves the concept is viable. The researchers found that strategic drone placement would be crucial - focusing on areas with longer ambulance response times but sufficient population density. This technology could revolutionize emergency response, especially in areas where traditional emergency services take longer to arrive. Beyond AED delivery, medical drones could livestream from accident scenes, assist in search and rescue operations, or transport critical medical supplies. The future of emergency medical response is looking up - literally! 🚁❤️

Police and fire often respond to the same calls—traffic accidents, structure fires, and active incidents. Two agencies arriving to the same chaos, often with very different information. Drone as First Responder programs need to serve both police and fire. Sharing the live stream from a drone means both agencies make decisions from a common operating picture, improving resource allocation, response time, and outcomes. Fire and EMS need aerial intel just as much — not later, not as a handoff — but at the same time. The Skydio team recently attended FDIC International, where a scenario involved victims injured on a rooftop after an electrical fire. The takeaway was clear: getting a drone on scene fast, flying low, and into tight spaces can give crews the intel they need before committing resources — and potentially save lives. Same drone, shared stream, one mission: keeping people safe.

𝐃𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐬 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 & 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐥-𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐈𝐏 𝐕𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐨 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 - 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐄𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 The integration of drones as first responders (#DFR), combined with cutting-edge Internet Protocol (IP) video technology, marks a new era in #publicsafety. This LiveU approach empowers #lawenforcement and #emergencyservices with real-time #situationalawareness, faster response times, and enhanced officer and public safety. - DFR: A Strategic Advantage By deploying Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) ahead of ground teams—especially during large-scale events or active incidents—agencies gain critical visual intelligence before arriving on scene. A key milestone is enabling Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations, allowing drones to cover greater distances and deliver what can be called “quantum situational awareness.” LiveU's flagship IP bonded field encoder for Public Safety and #tactical teams is ready to go - simply plug in your video source (drone, security #camera, or crewed/uncrewed vehicle/ HH camera etc), and start transmitting real-time, secure and reliable video into your selected destination - anywhere at anytime Benefits include: - Rapid location of suspects or missing persons - Advanced scene assessment before human arrival - Reduced risk to officers - Smarter allocation of resources Enhancing Surveillance with LiveU IP Video & LiveU Technology is significantly more effective when monitored in real time. According to the UK College of Policing, actively monitored systems are 15% more effective at reducing crime compared to passive systems. By leveraging LiveU's secure IP video transmission platform: - Real-time crime centers and dispatch units gain precise, high-quality video streams - Field personnel receive live intelligence with low-latency and high-reliability, even in challenging environments. Situational awareness becomes immediate and actionable. Key Enablers for Successful Integration To fully realize the benefits of DFR and IP video streaming, agencies must: - Educate the Public: Build trust through transparency and responsible data use - Advocate for Policy Reform: Enable legal pathways for BVLOS and IP-based surveillance - Invest in #Training: Equip personnel to operate and interpret data while respecting privacy The Road Ahead Over the next decade, cities are expected to deploy drone “nests” on rooftops of fire stations and public buildings, creating a responsive, city-wide aerial network. But success will depend on forward-thinking leadership that embraces innovation, invests in emerging technologies like AI and quantum analytics, and fosters a culture of adaptability. - Visionary public safety leaders must stay several steps ahead—not just one—to safeguard communities in a fast-changing world. CBRNE & CT ATLANTIC BRIDGE (CAB) FIFA World Cup 26™ New York New Jersey #uas #drones #firtresponder #cbrn #cbrne

Dublin Police Launch Autonomous Drone First Responder Program with 90-Second Emergency Response Times The city of Dublin, Ohio is setting a new benchmark for emergency response with the deployment of four autonomous drones capable of reaching incidents within 90 seconds. According to The Columbus Dispatch, the Drone First Responders program will be the largest of its kind in central Ohio when it takes flight this spring, representing a significant advancement in public safety drone applications. Strategic Deployment and Technical Capabilities The autonomous drone system features four units strategically positioned on rooftops throughout Dublin, creating an evenly distributed network that enables rapid response times. Sgt. Andrew Clark, the department's drone unit supervisor, notes that the drones can reach speeds up to 45 mph and can be deployed remotely by certified pilots from anywhere with internet connectivity. These DJI M30 drones come equipped with advanced infrared cameras that can detect heat signatures, enabling effective operation in low-light conditions. The units typically operate at altitudes between 200-400 feet above ground level, providing comprehensive situational awareness while maintaining appropriate distance from ground activities. The drones are housed in specialized docking stations located at Dublin City Hall, Scioto High School, Grizzell Middle School, and the Washington Township Fire Department administration building. Each dock features contact charging capabilities and protective roofing to shield the units from environmental elements, ensuring operational readiness regardless of season. Operational Limitations and Privacy Safeguards Despite their impressive capabilities, the system has clear operational boundaries. Battery life restricts flight time to approximately 30-35 minutes per mission, and severe weather conditions such as strong winds or heavy precipitation will ground the units. These limitations naturally constrain how the drones can be utilized. Addressing potential privacy concerns, the Dublin Police Department has emphasized that the drones will not conduct neighborhood surveillance. "It's not meant to be intrusive. It's not meant to look in anyone's home or anything like that," Clark stated to The Dispatch. "It's just flying to respond to a call for service." This focus on emergency response rather than surveillance reflects an understanding of the delicate balance between technological capabilities and privacy considerations that successful public safety drone programs must maintain. Dublin police Sgt. Andrew Clark showcased the department’s drones on March 26, 2025, outside the Dublin Justice Center. The city is launching the largest Drone as First Responders program in central Ohio, aiming to respond to emergencies in 90 seconds. Photo courtesy of Courtney Hergesheimer / Columbus Dispatch Investment and Integration with Existing Systems The program represents a $492,000 investment ove...

Will AI Save Human Lives? As we continue to debate whether artificial intelligence will replace human jobs, there's a more profound question we should be asking: How can AI save human lives—particularly those who risk their lives to save others? First responders—our firefighters, police officers, paramedics, and disaster relief workers—face life-threatening dangers daily: 🔥 Firefighters enter burning buildings, face structural collapses, and breathe toxic smoke. 🚓 Police officers confront armed suspects, navigate high-speed pursuits, and enter unstable situations. 🚑 Paramedics work in hazardous environments, from highway accident scenes to unstable structures. 🌪️ Disaster response teams venture into collapsed buildings, flood zones, and areas with chemical or radiation hazards. While AI cannot—and should not—replace these heroes, it can serve as their shield and extended capabilities: • Robotic scouts can enter burning buildings first, mapping structural integrity and locating victims before human firefighters risk entry. • AI-powered drones can assess disaster zones, create 3D maps of affected areas, and locate survivors—all before human responders set foot in dangerous terrain. • Remote-controlled robots can defuse bombs, handle hazardous materials, and enter contaminated zones without risking human lives. • Predictive AI systems can forecast fire spread patterns, structural collapse risks, and flood progression—giving responders crucial decision-making information. • Autonomous vehicles can deliver supplies or extract victims from dangerous areas that would be too risky for human drivers. What makes these technologies revolutionary isn't that they replace human responders—it's that they transform how humans can respond. The human elements of judgment, adaptability, emotional support, and complex decision-making remain irreplaceable. The question isn't whether machines will take human jobs, but rather: How can we use these technologies to ensure more first responders go home to their families each night? We're already seeing promising developments: - Boston Dynamics Spot robots helping assess hazardous situations - Firefighting robots that can spray water in environments too hot for humans - AI systems that predict wildfire spread with remarkable accuracy - Autonomous underwater vehicles for dangerous water rescues The future of emergency response isn't humans OR AI—it's humans AND AI, working together to save more lives while risking fewer. #ArtificialIntelligence #FirstResponders #EmergencyServices #PublicSafety #RoboticAssistance #AIForGood #HumanAICollaboration #TechnologyForGood

Distributing Video during a Public Safety Crisis Response: Many modern public safety agencies now embrace cellular data transmission to enhance situational information during crisis operations. Transmitting video from drones and other aviation assets provides significant situational awareness benefits for both command and front-line personnel. Public safety operations teams and mobile network operators must consider the impact that these video flows will have on other cellular data applications, such as push-to-talk, CAD access, tactical situational awareness maps (e.g., Team Awareness Kit (TAK)), and other command tools. To help public safety officials and mobile operators understand the impact of massive video transmission on the network during a crisis, a TCCA-Critical Communications Critical Communications Broadband Group (CCBG) task force produced an informative guidance document that is well worth the read. The task force included subject matter experts from industry and government. Sami Honkaniemi and Sanne Stijve led this work. Topics addressed include: • Use cases and requirements • Network design, dimensioning, & radio planning • Operations considerations • Video flow descriptions and characteristics A fascinating example of drone video support is provided with a look at the 2020 Gjerdrum disaster. In the early hours of December 30, a landslide covered the village of Ask. The task force includes a review of the disaster response and the contributions made by drones, video, and voice communications. I had the honor of introducing the incident commander, Anders Løberg, Fire and Rescue Chief, Øvre Romerike Fire and Rescue, when he presented at Critical Communications World in 2021. The Chief talked about the lack of GIS situational awareness tools. Eventually, the incident team adopted tools from a local volunteer Search and Rescue organization to plot the locations of structures, victims, and rescue assets. The Chief's presentation introduced me to the world of GIS situational awareness tools. It ultimately led me to discover and appreciate the extraordinary value of the Team Awareness Kit (ATAK, iTAK, WinTAK, WebTAK) software suite. This TCCA Task Force document is a significant contribution that will help make such delivery feasible. Anders Martinsen's photo on Page 37 shows an example of drone operations at disaster scenes. If you fast-forward to future events, I foresee a different picture emerging. Pilots will control the drones remotely and the video feed will flow directly into control rooms and hand-held mobile terminals for presentation on the TAK clients. I believe this future is now. #DFR #ATAK #TAK #MCDATA Link to the paper: https://lnkd.in/ePizk2Pb Be sure to catch the TCCA webinar scheduled for January 21. Registration is at this link: https://lnkd.in/eV6FR9FQ

In today's digital world, it’s not just about having the latest technology - it’s about how we use it. Smart application of technology transcends ownership; it involves leveraging tools strategically to solve meaningful challenges and drive innovation. 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: One example is the use of drones in firefighting, particularly in scenarios that pose significant risks to human firefighters. Drones equipped with thermal imaging cameras and water hoses can reach high-rises or other inaccessible areas, providing a safer, more effective way to manage and extinguish fires. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐮𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞-𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡: >> Enhanced Safety: By using drones, firefighters can assess the situation remotely, reducing the risk of injury in volatile environments. >> Increased Efficiency: Drones can quickly navigate to assess hotspots and deliver targeted firefighting efforts, often faster than traditional methods allow. >> Cost-Effectiveness: Deploying drones can reduce the manpower and time traditionally required, leading to cost savings for firefighting departments. This is just one example of how technology, when aligned with clear goals and thoughtful strategies, can enhance our ability to tackle complex issues. From healthcare and environmental conservation to public safety and beyond, the possibilities are limitless. 🤔 What other innovative uses of technology have you seen that solve real-world problems? How can we further integrate these tools to enhance safety, efficiency, and effectiveness across industries? #innovation #technology #future #management #startups

When it comes to Drone as First Responder (DFR), keep this core equation in mind: Speed + Distance = Value If your DFR system can’t respond quickly enough—or fly far enough—you’ll need dozens more drone stations to cover a city. More capable systems let you do far more with far less. To gauge your true response speed, answer four questions: 1. How long before you know to launch? With Flock911, you can launch the moment the 911 call is placed, instead of waiting 60+ seconds for it to enter CAD. 2. How long before the drone is airborne? Getting aloft in 3 seconds versus 15 is a big difference. 3. How fast can the drone fly under remote ops? Controller speed isn’t DFR speed—only the speed achievable through remote-operations software matters. If the drone must crawl when flown remotely, what’s the point? 4. From how far can you “see” the scene? High-zoom cameras let you be virtually on scene from much farther away, slashing effective response time. Check the video for a deeper breakdown.