B.C. search and rescue groups to trial drone use for searches

A new trial will see remote-controlled drones used to assist B.C. search and rescue organizations with their searches.

The new one-year pilot project announced by the provincial government today will see searchers in Coquitlam and Kamloops use the drones to assist with some of their searches.

Alan Hobler, Search and Rescue president in Kamloops, said his organization has been testing and training the drones, or UAVs, and he hopes they will improve the organization’s capabilities.

“In some applications UAVs will be a more-effective means of searching terrain that would otherwise be difficult or impossible to search by traditional ground searchers,” Hobler said in a statement. “Searcher safety is paramount for us and now we have a new tool that we can use in places or circumstances that may pose a risk to our searchers.”

In a media statement, the provincial government said the drones are being used in searches in other parts of North America, “to help ensure the safety and security of residents while keeping emergency personnel safe in their jobs.