What Is a Drone as First Responder (DFR) Program?

 

Drones have provided a high value return on law enforcement investment over the years. Used at traffic accidents, drones capture high-definition images of the scene better and faster than officers themselves. Drones can enter dangerous locations ahead of law enforcement officers, providing life-saving look-ahead information about the scene.

The new application for drones is an extension of emergency response across public agencies, commonly referred to as Drone as First Responder (DFR). When a 9-1-1 emergency call is made, the operator gathers as much information about the scene as possible to direct and inform the proper response.

Since drones will always reach a scene faster than people, help public safety professionals respond better, quicker, and with much greater information on arrival.

The Benefits of Drone as First Responder Programs

 

DFR programs enhance public safety officials with several key advantages:

• • Faster response times

  • Better information

  • Force multiplier

Common DFR Situations

Under the DFR model, law enforcement and public safety professionals dispatch a drone just like they would an officer. A remote pilot guides the drone to the incident location or the area that needs to be searched. The drone’s live camera feed gives the response team improved situational awareness, helping first responders gain critical context. Common uses of DFR resources include initial response to traffic accidents, public disturbance, public domestic dispute, and trespassing. In the future, DFR programs may be used to quickly deliver medical supplies and emergency equipment. In critical situations, faster supply delivery increases survivability.

How to Create a Safe Drone as First Responder Program

Creating a DFR program involves several critical steps to ensure its effectiveness and safety. The first step is to clearly define the program's objectives, such as improving response times, enhancing emergency operations, and acting as a force multiplier in resource-limited situations. Clearly articulated goals help tailor the DFR program to the specific needs of the agency and community it serves.

A well-crafted concept of operations (ConOps) document serves as a strategic blueprint. This document should include the mission statement, organizational goals, unmanned aircraft system (UAS) details, and risk mitigation strategies. The ConOps is required in the FAA's review process for obtaining a Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) waiver, which is crucial for expanding the operational range of drones. Achieving this waiver necessitates demonstrating robust safety measures, including collision avoidance and deconfliction protocols.

For DFR programs requiring coverage of a broad area, radar is the indispensable sensor. It enables operators to monitor the surrounding airspace for both cooperative and non-cooperative air traffic and safely conduct missions. Moreover, radar systems strengthen the FAA BVLOS waiver application by showcasing the program's capability to manage airspace conflicts effectively, regardless of weather or lighting conditions.

Engaging both internal and external stakeholders is vital for the program's success. This includes agency leadership, operational and support staff, community members, government bodies, civil rights groups, and the media. Regular communication and feedback ensure transparency and acceptance of the program.

Echodyne Radar for DFR

Echodyne's proprietary MESA® technology delivers superior performance and high-fidelity data without the size, weight, or cost of traditional radar systems. EchoGuard is designed to accurately track objects over short-range distances and is ideal for urban and semi-urban landscapes. EchoShield, with medium range detection capability, is ideal for larger open spaces and is used by numerous private UAS manufacturers for detect and avoid activity.