Cargo drone trialled for mountain rescues on Mont Blanc

The world-famous PGHM Chamonix mountain rescue service has conducted a unique experiment aimed at improving the speed and efficiency of mountain rescue operations.

The experiment involves deploying a large cargo drone to support traditional rescue teams, whether helicopter crews or ground units. The distinctive feature of the delivery drone is its ability to carry up to 30 kg of equipment necessary for performing initial rescue operations. This means rescue teams can travel significantly lighter, resulting in less fatigue for rescuers, increased speed, and overall safer operational conditions.

Drones have been successfully used in mountain rescue operations for several years now, primarily to locate victims; far cheaper than helicopters, they have the enormous advantage of being able to fly even in cloudy conditions, unlike helicopters which fly by sight and are consequently forced to remain grounded when visibility is poor.

This new type of cargo drone might well represent a new frontier in mountain rescue operations. Indeed, according to those who took part in this experiment, it "will be the heart of future rescue operations."