DEEMI UAVDEEMI's UAV, ready for take-off on an active missing person search along Penobscot River in Bangor, Maine.

THE NEED FOR SEARCH AND RESCUE

The need for search and rescue continues worldwide.  Maine, with it's vast woodlands, extensive rivers and shoreline has its share of missing persons.  Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (drones) are increasingly becoming an essential tool to find missing loved ones. Drones can be deployed  more quickly,  inexpensively and safely than manned aircraft, yet there is a need for both.  Drones can be used for delivery of rescue gear and medical supplies.  They can be used to find a missing person at night with the attachment of a thermal imaging camera.  Their uses are limitless.

SIC UAS PILOT FOR DEEMI SAR

As a Remote Pilot, I volunteer my time, effort and knowledge as the second-in-command UAS pilot for Down East Emergency Medicine Institute Search and Rescue (DEEMI SAR).  Training and learning are on-going as we break new ground in this fascinating area of SAR.

FIRST IN THE COUNTRY

DEEMI was the first SAR organization in the country FAA-authorized to fly UASs. DEEMI has been conducting searches for over 25 years.  UASs are now additional valuable tools DEEMI utilizes for searches.  Ever-expanding and innovating, DEEMI research in the field of search and rescue is continuous.  For more information, see their website: www.deemi.org.

DEEMI HMMWVsImage from UAV training in Orono, Maine with DEEMI's High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles - HMMWVs or Humvees.