When first responders arrive at a scene, they often have no idea what lies ahead. The ability to adapt quickly and think creatively is essential in such high-stress situations. One of the most critical steps upon arrival is gaining situational awareness—understanding the environment and any potential dangers that may exist. However, gathering detailed information on the spot can be challenging, especially when time is of the essence. This is where the Elios 2 and Elios 3 come into play, offering rapid, safe, and effective data collection that helps teams make informed decisions quickly. Speed The Elios 3 allows for quick situational awareness flights lasting under 10 minutes, delivering critical insights rapidly and enabling swift action. Safety The Elios 3 supports emergency response by identifying life-threatening situations and planning safe entry before personnel go in. Accountability After an incident, the 3D model created using data from the Elios 3 helps assess the effectiveness of the response and improve future operations. Access The Elios 3 can enter hazardous areas first, checking for safety and providing vital information to guide next steps. The Elios drones are changing the way emergency responders operate. They allow teams to gather crucial data without putting people at risk, making the entire process more efficient and safer overall. In the Netherlands, the Team Digital Exploration (TDE) works alongside fire brigades to collect and share critical information quickly. Since its formation in 2018, TDE has become a vital part of emergency response efforts, supporting first responders with real-time data and post-incident analysis. "We no longer need to send responders into potentially dangerous spaces without first doing a scouting flight," says Robbert Heinecke, national manager at TDE. "The Elios drone is a game-changer for our work." TDE uses drones like the Elios 2 and Elios 3 to analyze scenes inside buildings, especially during fires or structural damage. These drones provide live imagery that can be used for immediate decision-making, as well as for creating 2D and 3D models after the incident for further analysis. You can learn more about TDE in this YouTube video. TDE has used the Elios drones in a wide range of emergency scenarios, including firefighting, hazardous material incidents, water accidents, and missing person searches. Their diverse fleet of UAVs ensures they can adapt to any situation. One of the key advantages of the Elios drones is their ability to fly in confined spaces and beyond visual line of sight. Even in environments with heavy smoke, the LiDAR capabilities of the Elios 3 provide valuable situational awareness through FlyAware software. Once collected, the visual data from the Elios drone is processed using photogrammetry software like PIX4Dmapper to create detailed 2D and 3D models. These models help in assessing the success of the response and improving future strategies. "The Elios drones give us flexibility and confidence in our operations," says Robbert Heinecke. "They help keep our first responders safe while allowing us to respond more effectively and efficiently." TDE is now working to expand its impact by helping other fire departments establish similar drone response teams. Their success highlights the growing role of drones in emergency services, proving that technology can make a real difference in saving lives and protecting people in complex environments. Discover more about the Elios 3 and its surveying payload to see how it can enhance your emergency response strategy. Pipe Supports,Steel Pipe Supports,Slide Pipe Supports,Brass Pipe Slide Bar Simcan Industrial Equipment Co.,Ltd. , https://www.simcanindustry.comBringing the Elios 2 and Elios 3 to Firefighting
The Key Benefits at a Glance
The Elios 2 ready for action in a fire scenario. Image credit: Megin ZondervanModernizing Emergency Response with Data Collection
Flying Drones in Hazardous Environments
An Elios 2 used by Robbert's team. Image credit: Megin ZondervanBuilding a Drone Emergency Response Network