Tag - first responders

08Nov

FAA Targets UAS Violators for Enforcement

Pilots of unmanned aircraft who interfere with first responder efforts are now more likely to face serious civil penalties...even for first time offenses. Recently, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released guidance (PDF) for agency personnel who handle possible drone violations. Now, all cases involving interference with first responder operations are referred to the FAA Chief Counsel’s office for possible enforcement action.  

Fines increase

In July 2016, Congress authorized the FAA to impose a civil penalty of not more than $20,000 for drone operators who deliberately or recklessly interfere with emergency response efforts. Under FAA guidance, inspectors generally use non-enforcement methods. For example, educating the operator can correct unintentional violations that arise from flawed systems, simple mistakes, or lack of understanding. However, given the potential for direct and immediate interference with potentially life-saving operations where minutes matter, offenders are now immediately considered for enforcement actions. Possible enforcement actions include: revocation or suspension of a pilot certificate and up to a $20,000 civil penalty per violation.  

The need for deterrence

Deterring interference with first responders is critical, particularly as drone use expands exponentially. When a drone enters an area, firefighting aircraft are required to suspend flights to avoid a possible mid-air collision. A drone flying over a crime scene or accident site can hamper police or medical aircraft operations. Ultimately, interference by a drone can cost lives. The FAA’s rules for flying unmanned aircraft are clear. Pilots can save themselves and others serious problems by following them to the letter. Don’t let your decision to fly cause someone else to die.
By Industry News, , , , , , , Comments OffRead more...
06Feb

DHS Issues ‘Counter-Drone’ Procurement Guide for Emergency Responders

Department of Homeland Security's SAVER program recently identified 13 counter-unmanned aerial systems that could be useful for emergency response. To accompany this announcement DHS also issued a guide on their features to assist procurement. National Urban Security Technology Laboratory (NUSTL) SAVER program conducted the market survey of counter-unmanned aerial systems to help emergency responders identify useful products. The SAVER program is designed to help emergency responders make procurement decisions. SAVER conducts operationally orientated assessments of equipment and then releases the information. Responders use that information to select, procure, use and maintain the equipment. Its Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) Market Survey identified 13 such products and weighed their benefits and suitability for specific purposes.  

Counter-UAS

A C-UAS can detect, track, mitigate or classify a SUAS (small unmanned aircraft system) that is in the area. The use of SUASs for both legitimate and unauthorized purposes is on the rise, leading to a flurry of campaigns and new regulations from the FAA in recent years. The study states that most of the SUAS-related incidents reported to law enforcement involve the unintentional misuse of SUAS, and pose safety rather than security risks. As such, the products described in the market survey offer responders the ability to track and/or mitigate SUAS that could pose a threat to public safety and critical infrastructure. The 13 systems vary in price, ranging from $7,500 to $1.9 million. At the top end of the scale is a 500-pound, anti-UAV defense system from Liteye Systems, which consists of a radar sensor, EO suite and a directional RF inhibitor. It can detect, track, classify and mitigate SUAS by selectively interfering with its C2 channels. The stationary variant attaches to a vehicle or a mast. It includes a thermal camera and a video tracker. Closely behind in price is the Sky Tracker from CACI international. This fixed system covers large areas by networking several systems together. The Sky Tracker uses proprietary algorithms to track and classify SUAS. The system’s RF jammer emulates SUAS signals to hijack the command and control system. Thus, preventing communication with the pilot on the ground.  

Detect and Classify

Additionally, there are also options for first responders who need C-UAS that detect and classify but don’t mitigate SUAS. The study outlines the features of the Elvira from Robin Radar Systems and the UAVX from Spotter RF. The 183-pound Elvira costs in excess of $160,000. It combines detection and classification in just one sensor, using color-coded tracks overlaid on Google Earth and then layered on a customized map. No price is listed for the UAVX, which uses video tracking and tracks SUAS in real time. At just $7,500, the least expensive product surveyed is the Excipio Net Gun from Theiss UAV Solutions and Carolina Unmanned Vehicles. Excipio Net Gun is solely for mitigating SUAS. It accomplishes this by launching a net to either ensnare the SUAS or launching it to another location. Of the 13 C-UAS listed, eight can detect, track, classify and mitigate SUAS. Two are just for detection, tracking and classification and three are used to mitigate only. Before making procurement decision, the report encourages responders to know the laws in their jurisdiction which may prohibit the use of certain C-UAS features. Access the full guide here.
By Industry News, , , , Comments OffRead more...
14Aug

The EMILY USV from Hydronalix continues to gain traction

EMILY USVThe Duluth Fire Department in Duluth, Minnesota is considering purchasing the Emergency Integrated Lifesaving LanYard (EMILY) drone. Hydronalix, located near Tucson, Arizona, created and manufactures the 24-pound unmanned water rescue vehicle.  

EMILY functionality

The EMILY is a life-saving, unmanned surface vehicle (USV) that first responders can deploy and operate remotely to help reach distressed individuals. Equipped with a two-way radio, the EMILY allows first responders to communicate with the person in need of assistance. The USV carries a detachable life-jacket and helmet and can assist up to eight people in distress.  

Real-world application

Duluth Fire Capt. Brent Consie decided to test out the EMILY because of the city's amount of shoreline. It is also one of the worst spots in the Great Lakes for rip currents. “One of our biggest concerns with rescue is with rip currents,” Consie said in an article from the Grand Forks Herald. “When we've got an east wind or a wind that's about 10 to 15 miles an hour, we have currents that actually flute water back off shore. So, people who find themselves caught in rip currents are often taken by surprise. People who are not familiar with our waters get into a situation where there's potentially a drowning. We want to be able to get to them as fast as we possibly can.”  

Testing the EMILY

At the end of July, the Duluth Fire Department, along with other area agencies, tested the USV during a mock rescue scenario. The scenario included two Duluth firefighters floated in the chilled waters of Lake Superior. Response time is even more vital because of the waters cold temperatures. A firefighter on shore used a remote control to direct the movements of the USV, leading it to the firefighters in the water. Once the vehicle reached the firefighters, they latched onto a set of handles and were pulled to shore. On average, the department has six water emergencies per year. Boats are currently the only vehicles available to rescue distressed swimmer. The EMILY may be a better alternative.  

Technology advancements for the good

“Technology is always changing. This USV is a different approach because the drownings happen so fast and our conditions change so fast,” Consie says. “We're looking at ways we can improve. How can we use technology to keep improving our delivery of services?” In addition, Consie said that the USV allows first responders to reach someone in need of help faster than the department’s current capabilities. In scenarios where first responders need to rescue someone in the water, they can still deploy the USV so that the person can have something to hang on to while waiting for help.
By Industry News, , , , , , Comments OffRead more...
14Jul

Unmanned Systems to the Rescue

Disasters_TUnmanned advancements help first responder's efforts When disaster strikes we look to the men and women in emergency services to render aid to those affected. Thanks to advances in technology, first responders now have unmanned systems to help in those efforts. Currently, unmanned helpers include Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and robots equipped with sensors, cameras, and even microphones.  

Unmanned Systems impact on an industry

The impact of unmanned technologies in emergency and disaster situations continues to grow. Drones offer numerous advantages including: rapid deployment, the ability to assess dangerous environments from a safe distance, minimize risk to workers, and more. Operators can change drone equipment to adjust to changes in the environment. A night-vision camera can be quickly exchanged for an infrared camera to read heat signatures of survivors. Programmable flight paths ensure complete coverage of an area. All these advantages can significantly impact the number of lives saved in the event of a disaster.  

Extending relief workers’ reach

UAVs are particularly helpful in reaching areas that are inaccessible. Drones equipped with high resolution imagers can provide pictures, stream live video and create before and after snap shots of the affected site. Emergency workers can use this information to determine a plan of action – where to deploy, areas to avoid, identify survivors, and more. What's more, drones can re-deploy to get the most accurate data in what is usually a very active and changing situation. Officials can use the data to continuously adjust and respond accordingly. First responders aren’t the only ones who benefit from drone use in emergency situations. Drone manufacturers can use feedback from operators in the field to improve the overall performance of the product, thus improving capabilities for future relief efforts.  

The challenge of the amateur operator

Unfortunately, the growing use of drones also has a downside. As more enthusiasts take to the skies, they can pose a risk to active emergency situations. Many well-intended users believe they are providing assistance when, in fact, their efforts can hamper and even derail relief efforts. Such situations require formal training, expertise and collaboration with disaster and emergency relief officials. Operators functioning on their own volition are a risk to personnel on the ground. Rescue organizations continue to advise drone enthusiasts, not officially involved in efforts, to restrain themselves and stay away from active emergency situations.  

A growing array of unmanned systems

Rescue personnel can choose from an ever increasing array of unmanned systems. For example, RoboSimian is a highly dexterous robot that can access areas deemed too risky for humans. This robot can scan, assess as well as manipulate its environment. Currently, RoboSimian can close a valve, pick up an object and remove impediments. Certain situations require even more sophisticated technology – such as detecting movement under piles of debris. Developed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, FINDER (Finding Individuals for Disaster and Emergency Response) utilizes low power radar to detect imperceptible movements beneath rubble. FINDER’s radar emits a low power radio signal that bounces off debris and changes if movement is detected. As with robots and UAVs, FINDER is an important tool that enables rescuers to locate those in need and provide assistance quickly and efficiently.  

A bright future

Given the advantages unmanned systems offer, emergency and disaster relief agencies will continue to adopt this technology. For the agencies involved in planning and executing search and rescue operations, the deployment of UAVs, robots and additional technology is a positive development.
By Industry News, USS News, , , , , Comments OffRead more...