How Could Drones Save Lives?

Drones, or UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles), are one of the many realities of today’s 21st century world that are becoming more and more integrated into our daily lives. In the last few years we have seen proposals from companies to deliver packages by air, Fly4Me which collects aerial data for commercial use and even drones which can monitor populations of endangered animals in the wild.

However, drones have so many more possible applications. Drones have the ability to reach the most difficult places on the planet, places that humans just can’t get to. Whether that is due to harsh roads, mountainous terrain or even war, drones can get there and possibly provide the support needed.

Disaster Situations

The most obvious use for drones in these locations is for search and rescue missions, but they can also be applied in disaster situations to deliver blood, medical supplies and even treatments in the world's most isolated places. Another concept currently in the works is telemedical drones. Telemedical drones, such as two developed by HiRO (Health Integrated Rescue Operations) in Missippi, USA, can provide a package with a telemedical kit inside, which once opened allows physicians to appear on video and provide instant medical intervention. 
 

Public Safety

Drones can also be used to assist in other areas too, such as public safety. Researchers have developed ways to use drones not only to surveil possible criminals but also in police pursuits. Others have also found ways to use drones as fire extinguishers, reaching areas from above that firemen just can't, including raging wildfires. In fact, technology has been developed to use drones to discover wildfires and track their course of movement. This not only provides firemen with more information but also removes the need for them to risk their lives.

Telecommunications

And finally, telecommunications are another area that drones just might revolutionize. Numerous tech companies are racing to find the quickest way to bring Internet and phone signals across the globe. One such company is, which plans to use drones to provide Internet access to some of the most remote parts of the planet. With a greater Internet and phone access comes the possibility of easier access to emergency services, which means quicker response times.

So, hopefully, in the very near future, we may finally start to see the results of some of these innovations in drone technology.