Ferntech Commercial joins Search and Rescue training exercise

Youth Search and Rescue (YSAR) are industry leaders with integrating drone technology into their search and rescue operations. Since 2017 they have been sending their members on RPAS training courses which includes subjects focused on the use of UAV/Drones in Search and Rescue, Civil Defence and Emergency Management. On the 14th of December the Ferntech Commercial Solutions team joined their training exercise bringing along the full fleet of drones for Search and Rescue purposes.

On day one, Luke Johnson (Ferntech Commercial Solutions) joined by Steve Campbell (YSAR’s General Manager), introduced the DJI Matrice 210 RTK V2 with the Zenmuse XT2 thermal camera and Spotlight along with the DJI Mavic 2 Enterprise Dual also with the Spotlight. The DJI Matrice 210 RTK features a rugged, field-ready body with an Ingress Protection rating of IP43 for dust and water resistance. It is equipped with self-heating dual batteries to ensure reliable functionality in sub-zero temperatures. The DJI Matrice 210 is a reliable tool even in the roughest and most severe conditions, allowing the team to carry out its operation in critical situations effectively. Having the Zenmuse XT2 camera as the payload the DJI Matrice 210 RTK is capable of quickly mapping out an entire search area using RGB and thermal imagery that will collect critical life-saving data.

On the 2nd day of the training exercise, the team flew and captured thermal imaging to map a specified area. The task is to show how the drone can quickly capture and identify “hot-spots”. The Zenmuse XT2 allows you to quickly identify the heat of any point on your screen using Spot Metering. At base camp, the team promptly located the overlaid GPS pins of "lost people" over the thermal imagery.

Overall It was a great training exercise, that evening the attendees were given a task and asked what their plan would be for the given operation. The first response was to "bring in the drones!"

The Youth Search and Rescue is an independent non-profit Charitable Trust and Incorporated Society for aspiring volunteers between the ages of 14 – 18. They receive training over a period of three years to gain life skills aligned to the search and rescue and civil defense emergency management sectors.

Here at Ferntech Commercial we are here to assist you with integrating the latets drone technology into your operations. Contact our Commercial Solutions Team today for more information.