BRINC, an American public safety technology developer, has partnered with Skyfire Consulting, an advisor on drone solutions for security and public safety. Together, they aim to establish best practices for agencies implementing drone-as-first-responder (DFR) programs in the US. These programs aim to enhance emergency response by reducing 911 call response time and improving call clearing capabilities.

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

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, 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%

“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,” said Blake Resnick, founder and CEO of BRINC. “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, May 8-10, 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,” said Matt Sloane, founder and CEO of Skyfire. “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.”