Cleveland Explores Drone as First Responder Program for Fire and EMS 911 Calls

Cleveland, Ohio, is taking a bold step toward modernizing emergency response by exploring the use of drones for fire and EMS 911 calls. The city has issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to technology firms, inviting proposals for a “Drone as First Responder” program that could deploy drones to emergency scenes, providing critical real-time data to First Responders. This initiative, reported by Cleveland.com, aims to enhance public safety by leveraging advanced Drone Technology.

Drones to Enhance Emergency Response Efficiency

The proposed program would enable drones to arrive on-scene within minutes of a 911 call, offering live video feeds to dispatchers and supervisors. This early situational awareness could help determine the severity of an incident, the number of people involved, and the equipment needed before traditional responders arrive.

According to the RFQ, Cleveland is seeking drones capable of flying at speeds up to 53 mph—equivalent to about 85 km/h—and equipped with thermal imaging and zoom cameras. These drones would need to operate in diverse weather conditions, with video streamed in real time via a citywide surveillance platform. A public dashboard would also be created to share flight logs and redacted data, ensuring transparency.

The city highlights that increased visibility from drones “can mean the difference between life and death.” Specifically, the RFQ states, “Dispatchers and First Responders equipped with drone technology rapidly make informed decisions from a safe distance, which ultimately may reduce injuries and save lives.” This capability could be particularly transformative for fire and EMS teams, allowing them to assess hazardous scenes—like structure fires or medical emergencies—without immediate risk to personnel.

Industry Trends and Operational Implications

Cleveland’s initiative aligns with a growing trend among U.S. cities adopting drone technology for public safety.

As noted by Councilman Mike Polensek, who chairs the city’s public safety committee: “other cities are already using drones. Some will have a drone at each fire station, and those drones will fly to the scene before Firefighters arrive.”

Cities like Oswego, New York, have already implemented similar programs, with the New York Police Department also deploying first-responder drones. Cleveland’s exploration could set a precedent for broader adoption in the Midwest, potentially influencing operational standards for drone use in emergency services.

From a technical perspective, the drones’ specifications are ambitious but achievable with current technology. A top speed of 53 mph ensures rapid response times across Cleveland’s urban landscape, while thermal imaging can detect heat signatures in fire scenarios, and zoom cameras can provide detailed visuals for EMS assessments.

However, challenges remain, including regulatory hurdles and community oversight. The Community Police Commission, which oversees police drone use, currently restricts drones from surveilling large crowds during protests, raising questions about how fire and EMS drone policies might intersect with existing police regulations.

Looking Ahead: Regulatory and Community Considerations

Cleveland’s Division of Police purchased drones in early 2024 but has not deployed them for emergency calls, pending policy changes from the Community Police Commission.

Polensek acknowledged the city’s lag, stating, “Cleveland is in the stone age compared to other cities.”

The commission’s policies, which prioritize privacy, may complicate the integration of drones across fire, EMS, and police responses, especially since all three may respond to the same 911 call. Piet van Lier, who leads the commission’s policy committee, emphasized that if Cleveland moves forward, the commission “would have to see how the police department is involved, if at all.”

This program could redefine emergency response in Cleveland, offering faster, safer, and more informed interventions. As the city gathers proposals, the Drone Industry will be watching closely to see how this “Drone as First Responder” initiative shapes the future of public safety technology.