Public safety technology developer BRINC has partnered with Skyfire Consulting to establish best practices for agencies implementing drone-as-first-responder (DFR) programs in the U.S.

DFR programs aim to enhance emergency response by reducing 911 call response time and improving call clearing capabilities.

Easing the Drone Program Process

The partnership will assist agencies in obtaining necessary waivers and clearance to launch drone programs, including FAA Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA) approval, as well as training.

BRINC in collaboration with Skyfire will provide holistic support for agencies to scale drone initiatives.

Enhancing Emergency Response

Drone technology can supplement and enhance first responder capabilities in the United States. These programs stand to provide several improvements to police and EMS operations, including:

• Overall reduction in 911 call response times. On average, it takes less than 70 seconds for a drone to arrive on scene from when the call was placed.

• Significantly improved call out clearing capabilities, with 25% of 911 calls cleared solely with a drone.

• Prioritize call outs to reduce the overall human response time to emergencies in half and to reduce the time for first responder to arrive on scene by 54%.

Drones can also assist in decision-making for the vehicles needed to respond to an emergency, which can prevent unnecessary trips and lead to fuel savings.

“As first responders seek to improve their day-to-day operations, having access to technology that both increases efficiency and officer safety will play a crucial role in their success,” BRINC Founder and CEO Blake Resnick said. “Our partnership with Skyfire is aimed at addressing this need, offering key support to agencies that will fast track the development of drone programs. We’re incredibly excited to work with Skyfire to make this a reality.”

Skyfire’s public safety unmanned aerial systems (UAS) expertise and support for law enforcement organizations across all 50 states will play a crucial role in supporting BRINC’s mission to reduce emergency response times and save lives.

To further the partners’ joint missions, Skyfire will continue developing its DFR Village, a dedicated testing, training, and demonstration grounds to provide hands-on experience to first responders with cutting edge drone systems.

The company will also host Future Proof UAS, a drone awareness summit in Huntsville, Alabama, in May 2024 that is free to attend for public safety, military and government personnel.

“Drone-as-first-responder is on course to change the way that first responders keep communities safe in the most profound way since the introduction of the police helicopter,” Skyfire Founder and CEO Matt Sloane said. “Together with BRINC, we look to set the standard for how these programs operate for every agency across the country, enabling law enforcement and EMS workers to act quickly and decisively in the face of emergent events.”

BRINC’s partnership with Skyfire will support future BRINC technology, set to be announced in mid-May 2024.