Lifesaving Flight: Drone Rescues Senior with Alzheimer’s

A Timely Drone Rescue in the Dark

A Toronto Police Service drone played a crucial role in locating a missing senior with Alzheimer’s in a remarkable example of technology assisting in crucial search operations.

The incident in mid-December unfolded when the elderly woman, last seen at 5 p.m., went missing, not dressed for the chilly 39°F evening weather.

The Critical Role of Drone Technology

As ground search efforts near her home proved fruitless, the Police turned to their Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) for assistance. Responding to the call, Constable Mike Ramsay employed one of the Service’s fifteen RPAS units.

His expertise in maneuvering the drone was instrumental in locating the woman around 11:49 p.m. in a wooded area, situated on a steep incline in a ravine, a location almost impossible for ground crews to spot, especially in the darkness.

The Invaluable Asset of RPAS

Inspector Dave Ecklund of the Emergency Management and Public Order Unit highlighted the indispensability of drones in such search operations.

He noted that without the drone, the search could have extended for days, potentially leading to a tragic outcome. The drone’s thermal camera technology was particularly crucial on that cool night.

The senior was quickly transported to the hospital for medical assessment and was later reunited with her family.

Ecklund also lauded Constable Ramsay for his methodical approach and dedication in utilizing this technology, acknowledging his role in the successful outcome of this search in Canada.