Drones are a double-edged sword. On one end, they are considered to be the next big thing in offering emergency medical transport, even being pitted against air ambulances. On the other end, they are turning out to be a hazard for air ambulances to take off from their bases.
A lot has been written on how drones can help in search and rescue operations, offer first aid services and even carry patients from places where air ambulances probably cannot even go. The research in the sector has been unparalleled to say the least and is taken up by several agencies around the world and even the defence forces. Why? Because there is merit in what drones can offer.
Drones and How They Impact Air Ambulances Negatively
Drones are also used recreationally and several people the world over have taken to it. With the surge in demand for these, the prices too have dropped down and almost anyone can afford a drone today. The problem is that these require open grounds for flying comfortably, which often tend to be the bases where aircrafts and air ambulances land and takeoff, and drones can lead to a huge problem for air-bound vehicles and of course the crew in them.
Why are they Unsafe
People do not realize that no matter what color, drones are hard to spot. When air ambulances are attending emergencies, drones are the last thing they want to worry about. Also, it must be noted that it is illegal to fly them anywhere near takeoff and landing zones as per government regulations in most countries. For instance, in Canada, one is not allowed to fly drones within 1 nautical mile of a helicopter or airplane base. This translates to 1.9 kilometers from the base. If people adhere to simple rules such as these and be mindful of the nuisance that they might potentially cause, drones and air ambulances can coexist.
