Department of Homeland Security Issues Drone as First Responder (DFR) Systems Tech Note
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security just published a TechNote outlining the framework for the procurement of authorised equipment for Drone as First Responder systems.
In an emergency, a fast response saves lives. Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) or 'drones' have become a critical tool for providing real-time situational awareness in public safety operations. A Drone as First Responder (DFR) system includes prepositioned drones at launch stations, enabling rapid, remote UAS deployment to an incident.
Launch stations are spaced strategically so drones can arrive on the scene in minutes, often before emergency response personnel. The drones transmit critical information back to emergency teams in real time, allowing for faster and better-informed decision-making.
This equipment falls under the DHS Authorized Equipment List (AEL) number 03OE-07-SUAS, titled "Systems, Small Unmanned Aircraft."
Homeland Security (DHS) established the System Assessment and Validation for Emergency Responders (SAVER) program to inform emergency responder equipment selection and procurement decisions. Under the Science and Technology Directorate, the National Urban Security Technology Laboratory (NUSTL) manages the SAVER program, which – with the participation of emergency responders – performs objective operational assessments of commercially available equipment.
SAVER publications provide information about equipment that falls under the DHS Authorized Equipment List (AEL) categories and focus on two questions for the responder community: “What equipment is available?” and “How does it perform?”
The 2-page document can be accessed here.
