Basic Search And Rescue Operations

How Drones Can Help Save Lives

- David Daly

Once a year, the Search and Rescue (SAR) teams in Montana get together for the Montana SAR Rendezvous. The gathering serves as an opportunity to attend training courses and participate in live demonstrations of new SAR equipment and techniques. As a member the Central Montana Search and Rescue team, I was able to share some insights at this year’s Rendezvous on the use of drones in SAR operations. The basics of these operations are simple enough that almost any Part 107 remote pilot can quickly learn the skills needed to become a valued member of any SAR organization.

Types of Searches

There are numerous types of SAR operations. Oftentimes, people find themselves in situations where a lack of preparedness or an unforeseen circumstance renders them unable to return home on their own. When many people think of SAR operations, the picture that comes to mind is the lone hiker lost in the woods. While this can be a common SAR situation, there are many others.

Persons of risk are a special type of search. These searches are typically for criminals on the run or the elderly suffering from diminished mental capacity. Unlike most adults who are looking to be found, persons of risk are often unable or unwilling to help in search efforts. These situations require extra attention and additional resources.

Disasters, whether manmade or natural, often displace huge groups of people. SAR operations in these situations are complex and require large amounts of resources, usually at the governmental level.

Search Patterns and Drones