In this special feature, correspondents from South Wales Fire and Rescue Service look at important aspects of the service’s special rescue work and innovations. In the first article, Dick Pearson gives an overview of the service’s new Microdrone helicopter. In the second, Jayne Denman and Mike Carter talk about large animal rescue SOUTH WALES FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE are embarking upon a trial of a hi-tech, remotely operated aerial vehicle known as a Microdrone helicopter. It can provide operational fire crews with vital aerial imagery to assist in successfully dealing with a wide range of emergency situations and with the gathering of operational intelligence prior to deployment.
The Microdrone has four rotor-carrying arms and a pair of landing skids. It is designed to hover above incidents and transmit live images to a vehicle or control room.
The near-silent craft which weighs less than a bag of sugar, takes off and lands vertically and can be deployed in less than three minutes. The Microdrone can fly in most weather conditions and has a maximum speed of 15mph. It can be fitted with a variety of cameras, which allows incident commanders to get clear aerial images of an incident and the surrounding environment, assisting with the decision- making at large and complex incidents. The Microdrone can accommodate a range of cameras including a 12-megapixel stills camera, high definition digital video, low-light and thermal imaging units.
The unit is battery-powered, with a flight time of 20 minutes and a range of 500 metres. It can either be controlled manually or, operated on autopilot to follow a pre-programmed flight route.
The Microdrone system requires a team of two personnel to operate – one controlling the drone itself, whilst the second operative monitors the function, diagnostics and images supplied from the Microdrone on a PC base station.
The unit will be operated by personnel within Support (OPDS) Directorate. The role of this directorate is to provide operational intelligence, operational development and tactical review teams, civil contingencies and emergency planning roles, and a wide range of other special projects relating to the development of tactics and equipment.
As part of its work to support operational personnel, the OPDS Directorate will utilise the Microdrone to assist with pre-incident planning in the form of operational intelligence, providing aerial imagery and risk information and identification for 7.2.d and operational tactical plans. These images captured pre-incident will be available to crews through the frontline appliance facility of mobile data terminals.
The Microdrone can also be used to assist the the Operational Planning, Development and Observations Recorded Operational Development and Review Team (ORDT) assisting with the assessment of the Service Operational Assurance including attending and recording observations at a wide range of operational incidents and training events.
It is anticipated that the device will also play a valuable part in the reduction of deliberate fire setting. It will be used for promoting community safety as well as providing a high profile visual deterrent to would-be fire setters, with its highly visible colour. It will be deployed during times when the service is experiencing high levels of remote, grass, forestry and wild land fires. It will be utilised in known areas of high activity in order to prevent activities of deliberate fire setting.
The Microdrone will also provide valuable assistance and support of operational personnel at incidents where it could be used in the following areas:
¦ Providing aerial images of incident sites and training exercises
¦ Casualties/people in need of rescue or assistance
¦ Reconnaissance at technical rescue and
¦ Incidents involving acetylene and LPG cylinders
¦ Hazardous materials
¦ Direction and speed of fire spread
¦ Water supplies
¦ Rendezvous points, cordons, access and egress flooding incidents
■ Fire Investigation
■ Post incident de-briefs and learning.
Due to the versatility and innovative approach that the Microdrone provides, the Welsh Assembly Government financed the purchase. Prior to delivery of the unit, an initial training and coaching course was provided by the successful supplier MW Power. This incorporated a PC simulator programme being utilised initially followed by a four day intensive practical course. During this course the operators became fully competent in the technical assembly and in the aerial operation of the drone. Operators were then required to undertake further practical objective-based training sessions prior to ‘going live’. This involved utilising the Microdrone at varied ‘safe’ locations to achieve further familiarisation and competence. During this period it was envisaged that the drone will be presented to stations, highlighting its potential and usage. Once completed, MW Power made an assessment of the operators and issued a certification of competence to those achieving the required standard.
A number of regulatory and legislative concerns have had to be addressed, including the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act and the European Convention of Human Rights. By working in partnership with the National Policing Improvement Agency and our legal practitioners we have overcome the several issues that may have been presented by these regulations. SWFRS are also working with and sharing best practice across this project area with West Midlands FRS who are the only other UK FRS operating the Microdrone and where research is currently being carried out with the Civil Aviation Authority in regard to the regulations covering the use of such devices. A full evaluation process has been established at key points along the trial. This process will utilise comments from both incident commanders and the operators, enabling a full assessment of the capabilities of the Microdrone and the value it adds to the organisation in our quest to reduce both corporate and community risks.
For further information please contact GM Dick Pearson at South Wales Fire and Rescue Service.
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