Hastings-Quinte Emergency Services is moving ahead with keeping its drone in the air and operating with license.
Hastings County has been operating its drone as part of a federal research initiative.
In his report to the county recently, Chief of Paramedic Services Doug Socha says the department has been successful in demonstrating increased awareness of the use of these remotely piloted aircraft in both live and simulated environments.
Socha tells Quinte News the drone has been used three times in real-time emergencies, not just for research.
One of these was a Quinte area house fire.
The drone allowed firefighters to see the fire situation on the roof of the house.
Socha says it’s an example of a regional piece of equipment to benefit all areas.
Hastings County now has six pilots who have met all Transport Canada requirements.
To keep the emergency drone in the air, County council must approve going ahead with the requirements to meet the June first deadline for recent changes to those regulations.
