Drones have become indispensable tools for saving lives in times of war and natural disasters. Ukraine actively uses uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) both on the battlefield and in emergencies, showcasing their effectiveness and potential. Thanks to their mobility and versatility, drones can be used for a variety of tasks, from reconnaissance to locating and rescuing people in dangerous situations.
Delivery of Medicine and Essentials
In cases where access to victims is difficult or impossible, drones can deliver medicine, water, food, and other essential items. It is handy in conflict zones where traditional delivery methods may be dangerous or restricted. The use of drones for delivery ensures a steady flow of aid in critical situations.
Examples
In June 2022, charitable foundation purchased medical drones from the Canadian company Dragonfly to deliver medicines to "hot spots" in Ukraine. These drones provided a means of delivering medication to areas where ground transportation could not reach due to danger or damage.
Ukrainians also adapted a strike drone, Vampire, to deliver humanitarian supplies to the flooded left bank of the Kherson region. This drone, typically used for strikes on Russian occupiers, was repurposed to aid those affected by the floods, underscoring the multi-functionality of drones in emergencies.
Search for People
One critical advantage of drones is their ability to move quickly and efficiently across challenging terrain. Following natural disasters, drones can search for people in hard-to-reach places such as forests, mountains, or rubble. They can also fly at low altitudes and perform tasks that would be too dangerous or complex for rescuers.
In March 2024, rescuers from Vyshhorod used a drone to locate and rescue a homeless man sleeping on a stump in a burning forest plantation. This incident highlighted how drones can quickly find people in hazardous conditions and respond promptly to emergencies.
Evacuation of People
Sometimes, drones can be used to evacuate people from dangerous areas. Although these operations require high precision and caution, they can be critical for saving lives. Drones allow evacuation in conditions where traditional methods are unsafe or impossible.
In the Svatove direction, Ukrainian border guards used a drone to save a comrade's life. Aerial reconnaissance operators from the 68th Separate Ranger Brigade dropped a hot tea and a note to a wounded border guard, Serhiy Kupin. Serhiy was wounded in battle in the Svatove direction, and he couldn't be evacuated because of the proximity of the enemy. Despite severe injuries and challenging conditions, he managed to crawl 700 meters toward Ukrainian positions, following the drone, which constantly guided him. This demonstrated how drones can be critical for rescuing people and providing safe direction and support in challenging situations.
In April 2023, a drone operator with the call sign "Kevino" helped rescue a Ukrainian soldier whom Russian occupiers captured. The operator used the drone to attract the soldier's attention and then dropped a grenade on the occupier who was trying to stop the rescue.
This story shows how drones can be crucial in saving lives in combat situations, reducing the risk to rescuers.
Mine Clearance
Drones are also used for mine clearance in areas contaminated with explosive devices after combat. Their ability to move safely through hazardous zones and detect mines and other incendiary devices makes them a valuable tool for mine clearance. Using drones can reduce the risk to people and speed up the process of clearing areas.
In 2024, Ukrainian inventors developed a remotely controlled drone, "Kaban," designed for mine clearance. The drone can operate in fields and indoor environments and is equipped with an application for marking mines and shells on a map. This innovative approach to mine clearance allows for safer and more efficient work in clearing areas of explosive devices.
Conclusion
Drones have become an integral part of rescue operations in Ukraine, providing rescuers the ability to carry out their work and save lives effectively. Drones are becoming an increasingly important tool in various emergencies thanks to their mobility, versatility, and safety. In the future, the role of drones in rescue operations is expected to increase, and they will be equipped with more advanced cameras, sensors, and artificial intelligence systems, making them even more effective in performing complex tasks.
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