Seeking blueprint for integrating aerial platforms in emergency missions across Europe

PRAGUE, April 7, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- DJI and the European Emergency Number Association (EENA) Thursday announced an official partnership that will seek ways to integrate the use of drones into first-response missions.

Over the next year, the world's leading aerial-platform maker and EENA expect to gain deeper understanding of how aerial technology best adds value to emergency-service providers in different scenarios, environments and conditions.

Brussels-based EENA was established in 1999 as a non-governmental organization and serves as a discussion platform for emergency services, public authorities, researchers, associations and solution providers with the aim of improving the emergency response in accordance with citizens' requirements.

The joint DJI-EENA program will provide carefully selected teams of pilots in Europe with the latest aerial-technology equipment, including DJI's ready-to-fly Phantom and Inspire drones, its M100 platform and best-in-class Zenmuse XT thermal-imaging system.

Throughout the program, selected teams will receive intensive hands-on training, support and guidance on application-development using DJI's software development kit. At the program's end, EENA and DJI will share insights and best practices with the broader international emergency-response community to promote the safe integration of drones in emergency situations.

The partners have selected the Greater Copenhagen Fire Department in Denmark and the Donegal Mountain Rescue Team in Ireland as the first two test sites.

In Denmark, the focus will be on drone applications for firefighting, chemical accidents and larger car accidents in urban and over-water environments. The team in Ireland is already using advanced software applications through DJI's SDK to coordinate search & rescue missions in remote areas, and the focus will be to improve real-time networking techniques and crowd-sourcing capabilities.

Applications from other organizations interested in participating open at EENA's annual conference in Prague on April 7.

"With this partnership, we hope to demonstrate the power of aerial systems in first response missions," said Romeo Durscher, DJI's director of education. "Drones are transforming the way first response and civil protection missions operate by not only helping commanders make faster, smarter and better informed decisions, but also by providing first responders with more detailed information from an aerial perspective. The technology is easy to deploy and can be used in dangerous situations without risking pilots' lives. This ultimately saves lives and property."

EENA Deputy Executive Director Tony O'Brien said his organization is excited to partner with DJI to bring its expertise and latest technology to the NGO's members.

"EENA has a unique position to observe how aerial technology has been - and has the potential to be - implemented to support first-responder services. With this program, we seek to better understand how challenges in terms of logistics and data-analysis and integration can be overcome to fully realize the benefits of drones in emergency and humanitarian crisis situations," said O'Brien.

To apply to become a test site for drones in emergency services applications, please visit this link.

About DJI

DJI is a global leader in developing and manufacturing innovative drone and camera technology for commercial and recreational use. DJI was founded and is run by people with a passion for remote-controlled helicopters and experts in flight-control technology and camera stabilization. The company is dedicated to making aerial photography and filmmaking equipment and platforms more reliable and easier to use for creators and innovators around the world. DJI's global operations currently span North America, Europe and Asia, and its revolutionary products and solutions have been chosen by customers in over 100 countries; for applications in film, advertising, construction, fire fighting, farming, and many other industries.

For more information, visit DJI online: www.dji.com  
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About EENA

European Emergency Number Association (EENA) is a Brussels-based NGO set up in 1999 dedicated to promoting high-quality emergency services reached by the number 112 throughout the EU. EENA serves as a discussion platform for emergency services, public authorities, decision makers, researchers, associations and solution providers with a view to improving the emergency response in accordance with citizens' requirements. EENA is also promoting the establishment of an efficient system for alerting citizens about imminent or developing emergencies.

The EENA memberships include more than 1200 emergency services representatives from over 80 countries world-wide, 75 solution providers, 15 international associations/organisations, more than 200 Members of the European Parliament and more than 90 researchers.

For more information, visit EENA online: www.eena.org

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SOURCE DJI