TAICHUNG (TVBS News) — The Taichung City Government Fire Bureau used drones to manage high-rise rescue operations for the first time on May 31, a move that benefits both the victims and firefighters. For victims, real-time updates help pinpoint their positions and provide proper information through a speaker to help calm them down. For firefighters, drones can assess environments first before they venture into potentially dangerous situations, lowering firefighters’ risks.
According to the Fire Bureau, drones are helpful technology for firefighting. Many buildings in Taichung are taller than 50 meters; however, the ladder of aerial fire trucks can only reach the 15th floor. Eighty-eight firefighters have already obtained pilot certificates. The technology is helpful for firefighting and can also benefit mountain and earthquake rescue.
Drones are particularly good at navigating complex environments often inaccessible to humans. They can easily reach victims in places with dense forests, rough mountain ranges, or areas affected by flooding and offer essential monitoring.
The instructor gave a high ranking to the drone, praising it as an excellent tool in search and rescue operations. “We have introduced drone broadcasting in the high-rise drills. The technology can help to guide victims to escape and reduce risks for search and rescue teams,” Fire Bureau’s drone flight instructor Chang Chih-fa said.