Police Drone Rescues Missing Woman with Night Blindness in Spokane

Spokane Police Department (SPD) successfully used Drone Technology to rescue a missing woman in a wooded area, showcasing the life-saving potential of unmanned aerial vehicles in Search and Rescue operations. According to a report by FOX28 Spokane, the incident occurred on October 5, 2023, around 9 p.m. in the vicinity of East Upriver Drive.

The Search Operation

Officers responded to a report of a missing person who suffered from night blindness. The woman was last seen in a wooded area about an hour before the report and was believed to be approximately 1.5 miles from the officers’ location.

Given the challenging terrain and the woman’s condition, the SPD Air Support Unit (ASU) was called in to assist with the search. They deployed a drone equipped with advanced thermal imaging technology to scan the area.

Drone Locates Missing Woman

The ASU quickly located the missing woman using the drone. Video footage from the unmanned aircraft revealed her standing still near a tree, likely disoriented due to her night blindness.

“Video footage from the drone revealed that she was standing still near a tree,” the police reported.

GPS-Guided Rescue

Using GPS data obtained from the drone, officers were able to navigate the dark trails and reach the woman’s location. They found her holding onto a tree, waiting to be discovered.

The woman was cold but in good health when found. Officers assisted her down to the parking lot, where medical professionals evaluated her condition.

DroneXL’s Take

This rescue operation in Spokane underscores the growing importance of drone technology in emergency response situations. It’s another example of how drones are being used for good, particularly in search and rescue missions. The ability of drones with thermal cameras to quickly cover large areas and provide real-time video feedback, especially in challenging terrains or low-light conditions, can be the difference between life and death.

Recent articles on DroneXL have highlighted similar uses of drones by First Responders, demonstrating a trend towards increased adoption of this technology by police and fire departments across the country. As drone technology continues to advance, we can expect to see more instances of these unmanned aircraft playing crucial roles in saving lives and assisting in emergency situations.

What are your thoughts on the use of drones in search and rescue operations? Share your opinion in the comments section below.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​