BRINC, an innovator in public safety technology, has announced a strategic partnership with Skyfire Consulting, a leading advisor in drone solutions for security and public safety. This collaboration is set to revolutionize emergency response services by establishing best practices for drone-as-first-responder (DFR) programs in the United States, aimed at enhancing the efficiency of 911 emergency responses.
The partnership will focus on helping agencies across the country obtain necessary waivers and clearances, such as the FAA Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA), to deploy drone programs effectively. Additionally, BRINC and Skyfire will offer comprehensive training and support to scale these critical initiatives.
Drone technology is poised to significantly bolster first responder capabilities by reducing the average response time to 911 calls to under 70 seconds from the moment the call is placed. Moreover, about 25% of emergency calls could be cleared solely with drone intervention, demonstrating a considerable improvement in operational efficiencies and public safety.
Blake Resnick, founder and CEO of BRINC, emphasized the importance of the partnership, stating, “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. We’re incredibly excited to work with Skyfire to make this a reality.”
Skyfire brings a wealth of experience to the table, with its extensive background in public safety unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and support for law enforcement organizations across all 50 states. This expertise will be invaluable in supporting BRINC’s mission to reduce emergency response times and enhance the safety of communities.
The collaborative effort includes the development of the DFR Village by Skyfire, a dedicated area for testing, training, and demonstrating the latest drone systems. This initiative will provide hands-on experience for first responders, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to implement these technologies effectively.
Additionally, Skyfire will host the Future Proof UAS summit in Huntsville, Alabama, from May 8-10, which will be free for public safety, military, and government personnel. This event aims to further educate and equip agencies with the necessary insights and technology to improve emergency response strategies.
Matt Sloane, founder and CEO of Skyfire, added, “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. 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.”
This partnership marks a significant step towards integrating advanced drone technology into standard emergency response protocols, potentially setting a new benchmark in public safety operations.