Frequently Asked Questions

What is Drone as First Responder (DFR)?

Drone as First Responder (DFR) enables a drone to autonomously launch from the dock station and respond the moment a 911 call comes in, typically before ground units arrive. Dispatch inputs the scene location, the drone takes the most direct flight path to the incident. It provides real-time aerial livestream, giving critical intel and situational awareness before first responders arrive on scene.

How does the DFR program support and improve emergency response?

Our drones can respond to calls for service in under 90 seconds, reducing response times and giving officers critical information with first eyes on scene before units arrive. For calls like traffic accidents, disturbances, or in-progress crimes, the aerial perspective helps officers respond faster, more safely, and with greater situational context prior to arrival. The camera is equipped with 10 different thermal color hues, allowing responders to identify heat signatures (weapon identification) and detect hot spots in both wildland and structural fires.

What will be the benefits to the community?

There are huge benefits to having DFR. Faster response to emergencies. Better officer and community safety through live intel. More efficient use of resources and scalability, while avoiding unnecessary dispatches or escalating situations. Greater transparency, as the drone provides an unbiased view of incidents as they unfold.

What happens if the drone loses 5G/LTE connectivity while enroute or on scene (RTH)?

The drone has built-in safety measures that will have the drone stop its active flight path and hover at altitude for 15-30 seconds to re-establish cellular connection. If the drone is unable to reconnect, it will automatically perform an RTH (Return-to-Home), where it will land back on the dock. This function of the drone is done with GPS connectivity, so LTE service is not required to safely return back to the docking station.

What makes the Paladin DFR System special vs just a drone?

FAA Compliance and Training

Here at Paladin, we work closely with every department and client to ensure that all FAA requirements are met. We pride ourselves on how closely we work with our clients and are always available to help with approvals, training, and operating within regulations and more. It is extremely important to us that all flights are efficient and done so safely, legally, and confidently on every single call.

ADS-B Receiver

We provide an accessory that allows each system to detect live information about nearby aircraft. This added awareness helps pilots fly more safely.  

EXT Module - LTE Connectivity

The EXT module on top of the drone connects to cellular networks, allowing us to fly farther and stream live video back to our team in real time without the limitation of radio range.

Ready to fly?

Book a 60-minute virtual demo with our sales specialists.

Your Demo Will Include:

Answers to any questions you have about starting a Drone as a First Responder (DFR) program.

Mapping out your city and airspace for DFR.

An opportunity to remotely fly and control a drone and live video feed.

Answers to any questions about the FAA, regulations, and flying Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS).

A customized quote for your agency.