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Using Drones to Collect Life-Saving Information in Emergency Management

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By Allison G. S. Knox
Contributor, EDM Digest

Technological innovations bring with them numerous applications to a variety of fields. The military has developed innovative techniques and equipment due to technological advances, as have the fields of medicine, computer technology and construction. These advances have a tremendous impact on society and change how industries handle many processes.

These technological innovations include drones, which have become increasingly popular in emergency management. Search and rescue groups, fire departments and police departments across the country have used drones in various ways.

Drones Are Popular for Their Information-Gathering Capabilities

Emergency management has especially benefited from the use of drones. Drones at an emergency scene can transmit information to people in leadership positions, allowing them to make important decisions without risking the lives of first responders.

For example, the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) recently used drones to collect information during a major fire in March 2017. Similarly, the Fire Department of New York also used drones to manage a major fire in April 2017. The April fire was especially significant, because it required 200 firefighters to combat the blaze.

Emergency Management Agencies Should Consider Drone Costs and Capabilities

Just like other technological equipment, drones vary in price and capabilities. Emergency management agencies must first determine what type of drone would help them the most in different emergency situations, so that they can make the most out of their drone purchase.

Drones Are the Vital Future of Emergency Management

While drones are clearly needed in emergency management, first responder budgets don’t always allocate money to buy them. It is important for local and state politicians to contemplate ways to include drones in their emergency management budgets. Drones not only have numerous applications in emergency management, but they also have the all-important potential to save lives.

Start an Emergency & Disaster Management Degree at American Military University.

Allison G.S. Knox

Allison G. S. Knox teaches in the fire science and emergency management departments at the University. Focusing on emergency management and emergency medical services policy, she often writes and advocates about these issues. Allison works as an Intermittent Emergency Management Specialist in the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response. She also serves as the At-Large Director of the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians, Chancellor of the Southeast Region on the Board of Trustees with Pi Gamma Mu International Honor Society in Social Sciences, chair of Pi Gamma Mu’s Leadership Development Program and Assistant Editor for the International Journal of Paramedicine. Prior to teaching, Allison worked for a member of Congress in Washington, D.C. and in a Level One trauma center emergency department. She is an emergency medical technician and holds five master’s degrees.

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