Douglas County Search and Rescue in Colorado shared footage using a drone to deliver a care package supply drop to a pair of hikers lost near Bear Mountain.
According to the rescue agency, initial reports showed that the two hikers were low on both water and phone batter. The rescue group deployed multiple ground, ATV, and a UAV (drone) teams from separate locations to quickly reach their last known position, while the Douglas County – Government Office of Emergency Management deployed their Helitack helicopter.
The drone team located the subjects and established a line of communication, confirming that they were uninjured and informing the hikers that help was on the way. A short time later, the crew used the drone to deliver a care package with essential supplies and ground teams reached the group soon after. Ground teams were able to extract the individuals without injury.
Per Douglas County Search and Rescue, the pair did a great job at staying in one spot, calling for help once they released they were disorientated, and providing their coordinates to the rescue team. Their actions certainly contributed to the success of the mission.
“We’re proud of the work our team put in today and are extremely grateful for the support provided by the OEM Helitack crew & our officers w/ Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. This operation was a great example of how strong partnerships, coordinated resources, traditional search and rescue techniques, and emerging technologies can all work together to achieve a positive outcome.” – Douglas County Search and Rescue
