PIKE COUNTY, Ky. (WYMT) - On Sunday afternoon, many search and rescue crews learned how drone technology can be used to respond in a crisis situation. <\/p>\n
\"It can go up and cover a square mile in just a matter of minutes,\" Steven Childers, owner of Kentucky Drone Services, said. \"Versus what it would take a day for a mobile ground crew to be able to search.\" <\/p>\n
Childers said that performing rescue missions in the mountains can be treacherous. Using drone technology gives departments an upper hand. <\/p>\n
\"Departments can use this as tool,\" Childers said. \"The same way they would use a ladder or an ax. It's a tool and it can only benefit.\" <\/p>\n
Crews took turns practicing life saving techniques. Childers explained that drones create faster response times and allow crews to work more efficiently. <\/p>\n
\"The benefits of drones within fire departments is time,\" Childers said. \"Within search and rescue, time is of the essence.\" <\/p>\n
Drones can be used to aid in swift water rescues, locating bodies and some drones have thermal technology. <\/p>\n
\"Drones can be used in any kind of emergency situation,\" Steve Collier, Pike County Technical Rescue, said. <\/p>\n
Many believe this technology is needed in the mountains. <\/p>\n
\"If we could save one life with this, or just find someone that is hurt, I mean that's what these are about,\" Ralph Mullins, Chief of Shelby Creek Rescue Squad said. <\/p>\n
Mullins said he is hopeful that this technology will protect the community in the future. <\/p>\n
Many fire departments were present for this training and are looking into getting drones for their departments.<\/p>\n
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Read more:<\/p>\n
Fire departments look to drone technology to save lives - WSAZ-TV<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" PIKE COUNTY, Ky. Continue reading