Polish mountain rescue service adopts automated drone technology
The Tatra Volunteer Search and Rescue (TOPR) in Poland is utilizing automated drone stations from DJI to expedite emergency response and situational awareness in mountainous terrain.
Poland’s Tatra Volunteer Search and Rescue (TOPR) has integrated DJI Enterprise drone technology to address the logistical challenges of operating in the Tatra Mountains. By deploying automated DJI Dock stations, the rescue service can launch unmanned aerial vehicles to assess incident sites immediately upon receiving a distress call, significantly reducing the response time compared to traditional manual deployment.
TOPR rescue operator Marcin Józefowicz noted that this early aerial reconnaissance allows coordinators to determine the necessity of a physical intervention and the appropriate allocation of resources before teams arrive on foot. The drones, specifically the DJI Matrice 5TD, feature thermal imaging for night operations and onboard speakers to facilitate communication with individuals in need.
To overcome the signal interference common in rugged alpine geography, TOPR has established a network of relay stations on remote peaks. This infrastructure extends the operational range of the drones, allowing for wider coverage. With systems capable of automated battery swaps in seconds, the service is currently evaluating the feasibility of using this technology for daily trail monitoring and risk assessment in addition to emergency response.