New Braunfels Search & Rescue UAS UNIT
First responders are turning to aerial solutions to aid in search and rescue missions. Drones can efficiently scan vast areas and help pinpoint individuals in distress, can provide immediate intel, help orchestrate coordinated responses and reduce risk for first responders and volunteer personnel.
We’re Taking to the Skies
In a scenario where every second counts, the mobility of drones has become an industry standard when it comes to first responders and Search & Rescue. The use of drones has been very successful so far, with data showing that more than 780 lives have been saved by drones in search and rescue scenarios around the world.
In December of 2020, in coordination with the New Braunfels Fire Department, NBSAR established a team to orchestrate drone operations during Search & Rescue efforts within ours and the surrounding communities. We currently have 6 FAA Certified pilots with two more in training. As a non-profit organization, we are looking for donations to build our fleet of drones.
We Take Your Safety Seriously
The increasing availability of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) technology allied with image processing applications, real-time video and various sensor payloads, offer an opportunity to collect forensic-quality scene information, provide infrastructure inspections and damage assessments, assist in search and rescue, improve fire observation, and reduce the exposure of first responders and the public to hazardous conditions.
This can also pose a risk to our communities safety and privacy if not operated and used in a safe and ethical manner.
The NBSAR UAS Units Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are designed explicitly to minimize the risk to people, property, and aircraft during the operation of any UAS while continuing to safeguard the rights to privacy for all members of our community.
It is because of this, that all UAS operations are flown in accordance with 14 CFR Parts 61, 91 and 107, or Certificate of Authorization (COA) as applicable, and are compliant with the Texas Privacy Act HB 912, and Texas Government Code 423.
Drone Benefits
There are many benefits to using drones for emergency response.
Safe
When you’re searching in areas with rough terrain, the safety of the search teams are at risk. The danger becomes further magnified when they have to search into the night.
Drones have no such limitations. They don’t face the hazards of having to walk outdoors and can even continue searching in darkness.
Speed
An aerial search unit covers ground much faster than search teams on foot – there’s no question about that. And, before drones, helicopters were the tools for aerial search and rescue. However, they required long startup procedures and lots of airspace clearance.
Versatile
Drones aren’t just flying cameras. Some can be outfitted with a spotlight or speaker, which can act as a flying beacon to draw missing people. If a search needs to be done in darkness, drones can use thermal imaging cameras.
Lastly, versatile payload capabilities of drones can be used to deliver essential supplies to people who are stranded.
Drones in the News
Drones are used every day to save lives and protect property. These are some of those stories.
Drone finds missing elderly man in Pueblo
Pueblo Police use drones to find 72-year-old missing man.
Rescuers used drone’s thermal camera to find hiker stuck on dark cliff
A hiker with no mountaineering gear became stuck on a cliff face in a rockslide area as the sun went down.
Elderly woman rescued after a successful drone search by the Sheriff’s Department
The woman was reported missing Wednesday afternoon a little after 2 p.m….
Ways to Help
As a non-profit, we rely on donations from our local community, fundraising and grants. If you’re interested in either joining our program or donating the much needed funds to build our drone fleet, you can reach out using the links below.
Get Involved
If you’re interested in learning more about NBCERT or the Search & Rescue team, contact us today.
Donate to the Program
If you’re interested in making a tax deductible donation to our Foundation in support of our drone program, please reach out.