ROCKLAND – When a pedestrian on the Breakwater became injured and unable to walk, Rockland Fire/EMS was met with a saving grace at the park entrance. Matthew Murphy, of Eagle Eye Drone, happened to be on site.

Before walking the half mile or so along the uneven rocks, responders looked over Murphy’s shoulder to the computer screen as the bird’s eye view scrolled above dozens of tiny, unidentifiable people sauntering below.

From above, basic questions were answered as the duty crew assessed the patient’s locale and situation. Could the person walk? Was more equipment needed beyond the regular backboard and jump kit?

Normally, when called to the Breakwater, at least five responders must walk up to .8 miles along the landmark due to not knowing what they might find, according to Fire/EMS Chief Chris Whytock during the Wednesday, Sept. 5, City Council agenda-setting meeting.

More responders come in waves, taking over the labor-intensive carrying of patient and equipment. The more personnel, vehicles and equipment designated for the incident, the less is available elsewhere.

This time, three responders walked the Breakwater.

“Just being able to fly the drone saved us,” Whytock said the day after the Council meeting.

The Fire Department has been offered a financial donation to purchase a drone of its own. Whytock and Knox County Emergency Management Agency’s Ray Sisk have two drones in mind. What’s needed now is approval from Council Chambers.

A year ago, as Fire Chief Chris Whytock sought grant funding for air packs, a chance conversation progressed to technology within the fire service. That conversation then soared into unmanned aviation.

The man telephoned Whytock after the conversation and offered to buy a drone for Rockland.

His proposed $24,000 package would cover purchase costs as well as training for four designated drone pilots – two Fire/EMS personnel, and two Knox County Emergency Management Agency members, according to Whytock, who’s been researching the offer for about six months.

That drone would become the property of the City of Rockland, and would not cost taxpayers any money.

“I feel confident that we can continue to secure small donations each year” for the batteries, maintenance, and every two-year FAA licenses, which require logging flight time hours and knowledge of weather and air traffic control, he said.

The drone would assess fire scenes, provide aerial preplanning, strategize large event responses, search and rescue, mass casualties, marine rescues, and most importantly, to enter areas unsafe or inaccessible to personnel.

In every incident, approval from two sources would be required: One from Sisk or an EMA designee, and from Whytock, or a fire department designee. The drone would never be used for surveillance, invasion of property, personal use, or suspected illegal activity.

“It’s another tool for our toolbox,” Whytock said. “But it’s invaluable.”

Thermal imaging components are also being considered by Whytock and Sisk.

“I truly believe that the equipment can literally save a life someday,” Whytock said.

See our previous article:

Rockland EMS uses ‘Mule’ for late summer Breakwater transports

Reach Sarah Thompson at news@penbaypilot.com