Norwegian People’s Aid enhances search and rescue operations with new drone initiative

Every year, volunteers from Norwegian People’s Aid participate in numerous search and rescue operations for missing or injured individuals, often utilizing drones. In critical situations, a matter of minutes can mean the difference between life and death, making the swift deployment of search personnel crucial. A new drone initiative aims to enhance the speed at which missing persons can be located.

A modified vehicle, equipped with a drone, large battery bank, and a computer with mapping capabilities, is now fully prepared for rapid deployment. The vehicle also features a sealed compartment for transporting generators and fuel.

Drone pilot Roger Bjerknes notes, “Things move much faster. Everything is pre-packed in the vehicle, saving us about 20 minutes. We hope this time savings will help save lives.” He emphasizes the urgency, saying that small margins can be crucial in life-threatening situations.

Bjerknes has participated in multiple drone missions, acknowledging that while high-tech tools are valuable, challenges remain. “It’s a life-or-death hobby. We constantly strive to be ahead and improve our methods to respond as quickly as possible to those in need.”

Alongside his colleague Jørgen Sætre, Bjerknes deploys whenever someone goes missing. Sætre shares, “We see value in helping those in distress, and there’s a significant fulfillment when we find someone and ensure their safe return.”

The drone is equipped with thermal imaging and a spotlight, allowing for effective guiding of rescue teams to discovery sites. Additionally, the vehicle is outfitted with solar panels for battery charging.

Supported financially by SpareBank 1 Sørøst-Norge, the project comes at a time when the southeastern police district sees a rising number of search and rescue requests, highlighting the growing demand for drone assistance. In the previous year, police drones assisted in finding 50 missing persons, completing over 3,000 hours of flight time across various districts.