Thanks to drones, the Hiwassee Dam Fire Department was able to ascertain the location of a missing boy in North Carolina. The devices were equipped with infrared technology, which was able to detect the boy’s body heat even in darkness.
According to the department, one of their drones picked up a heat signature during its rounds. They then decided to zoom in and saw a body lying in the fetal position. The GPS coordinates were marked and rescue personnel was sent to the location, and they found the missing boy.
After the success of the rescue, the fire department shared that it wouldn’t be possible if they didn’t have drone cameras. Without them, they wouldn’t be able to locate the child within hours.
Additionally, Hiwassee Dam Fire Department Chief Chad McNabb shared that the technology they used helped them cover more ground without using too much manpower. “I knew the technology existed, I’d never been exposed to it to this extent. But now that I’ve seen it — highly impressed. I think everyone on the scene was impressed with it as well,” he said.
Image credit: Twitter/@westonwamp.