Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) has used a Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS), or drone to deliver vital medication to a flood-isolated resident in northern New South Wales (NSW), supporting the State Emergency Service (SES)-led emergency response to Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
A FRNSW RPAS team responded to a request from NSW Ambulance, who were unable to access a patient after the community was cut off by floodwater. The team assessed the feasibility of an aerial delivery of medication to the patient.
Drone delivers medicines to isolated community
During the operation, FRNSW’s Indigenous Liaison Team provided support
Firefighters collected the urgent medication from Lismore Hospital, before deploying the drone to complete the drop.
During the operation, FRNSW’s Indigenous Liaison Team provided support. A person from the community was on the phone with the patient throughout the process, offering reassurance and support.
FRNSW’s Indigenous Liaison Team provide support
FRNSW Indigenous Liaison Teams were deployed this week to visit communities and missions in Northern NSW to understand the challenges they are facing, and assist coordination with other agencies, councils and essential services.
For assistance during floods and storms call the NSW SES on 132 500 or Triple Zero (000) for life threatening emergencies.
