The Drone Efficacy Study (DES) is a pioneering collaboration between the European Emergency Number Association (EENA), DJI, and Black Channel to rigorously assess the value of drones in search and rescue (SAR) operations. Conducted in Ireland and the UK, the project aimed to move beyond anecdotal evidence and instead generate scientifically valid insights into how drones can improve the effectiveness, speed, and safety of SAR efforts.

With increasing adoption of drones across public safety services, the study recognised a need to distinguish real impact from hype. Using randomised control trials (RCTs), the DES evaluated whether drones could reduce the time needed to locate missing persons compared to standard SAR techniques. The goal was not just to test technology but to begin developing standards, protocols, and training that make drone-enabled SAR a viable and trusted part of emergency response.

Read the project report here

What the Study Did and How It Worked

 

The project ran 50 trial missions in 2018 across Wicklow and Sligo in Ireland, and Mid and West Wales in the UK. Professional SAR teams were divided into two groups: one using traditional ground-based search methods, and the other using the same techniques with the addition of drones. These scenarios reflected real-world terrain and conditions, including hills, valleys, cliffs, and forests.

The drones used ranged from the DJI Mavic Pro and Phantom 4 to larger systems like the Inspire 2 and Matrice 600, equipped with visible-light cameras. The teams had to locate life-sized rescue dummies dressed to mimic missing persons. Results showed that when drone-equipped teams successfully located a target, they did so an average of 3.18 minutes faster than teams without drones.

However, the no-drone teams had a slightly higher overall success rate in terms of locating targets. This was attributed to the lack of standardised procedures and specialised training for drone-based SAR, highlighting the need for more integrated and strategic use of the technology.

Laying the Groundwork for Future Rescue Missions

 

The DES goes far beyond simply asking whether drones help. It offers a blueprint for how to responsibly and effectively integrate this emerging tool into SAR operations. Recommendations from the study include:

  • Developing standardised drone-SAR protocols that are adapted to various terrains and weather conditions.

  • Providing hands-on, scenario-based training for drone pilots and SAR teams, with a focus on communication and coordination.

  • Conducting further research into hardware, sensor, and software combinations to identify the best setups for different rescue contexts.

  • Expanding studies to other emergency domains, such as firefighting, law enforcement, and disaster response.

The study also confirmed that rigorous, field-based RCTs are not only possible but essential in evaluating emerging public safety technologies. With clearer standards, targeted training, and shared operational knowledge, drones can become a powerful, trusted ally in saving lives—especially when time and precision matter most.