New SAR drones for Gallatin County, Montana
Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue (GCSSAR), in the US state of Montana, has launched a new drone team
The volunteer search and rescue (SAR) group confirmed the establishment of the new team – which comprises a number of pilots already certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) – to local news outlet Explore Big Sky.
The pilots have also been trained in various search techniques.
The new drone team will improve the effectiveness of searches across Gallatin County, offering an aerial view of land that ground-based volunteers may not be able to access.
Additionally, some drones are equipped with thermal imaging cameras to assist in night-time searches.
Despite Gallatin County being Montana’s second-most populous county, with around 119,000 people, it has relatively low population density of around 17.5/km2.
Additionally, it is home to areas of wilderness, as well as a number of major natural features, such as the Bridger and Gallatin sub-ranges of the Rocky Mountains. This geography makes an effective SAR response a necessity.
Kalispell Fire Department – also in Montana – announced the acquisition of its own emergency response drone in mid-2023.
Oliver Cuenca
Oliver Cuenca is a Junior Editor at AirMed&Rescue. He was previously a News and Features Journalist for the rail magazine IRJ until 2021, and studied MA Magazine Journalism at Cardiff University. His favourite helicopter is the AW169 – the workhorse of the UK air ambulance sector! He also led the creation of Waypoint: The AirMed&Rescue podcast, serving as its Production Editor and co-host.