Guilderland Center Crews Practiced With New Thermal Drone

Guilderland Center, N.Y. — September 23 — Guilderland Center Fire Department members participated in training to become familiar with a new drone that is intended to aid in search and rescue missions. The drone has thermal imaging, a spotlight, and a speaker attached to it. During the training session, firefighters used the new equipment and examined how it can be applied during emergency calls, whether it is day or night.

Thermal imaging allows responders to spot differences in heat that might not be visible with a regular camera. In fire and rescue situations, drones with thermal imaging can offer a bird's-eye view of search areas, help locate individuals, and assist crews during tasks like overhaul and other operations.

The spotlight offers an extra lighting source for use during nighttime operations, and the speaker can help rescuers talk to people from above in specific search and rescue scenarios. This kind of equipment has already been used by public safety agencies for nighttime searches and emergency communication.

The department often holds drill nights to enhance firefighter skills and equipment handling. Guilderland Center Fire Department has scheduled Wednesday evenings as its usual drill night.

The new drone provides firefighters with another way to collect information from the air, which supports safer and more efficient search and rescue efforts.