Rescue crews deploy drone to assist distressed hiker off trail in Scottsdale

PHOENIX — A drone was heralded as a critical instrument used to rescue a distressed hiker in Scottsdale early on Saturday morning.

According to a release by the Scottsdale Fire Department, paramedics piloted the drone 10 minutes after the incident was reported to locate a woman in her 60’s who was then taken off the trail on a UTV.

The fire department has six drones with capabilities of flying 400 feet high and a radius of five miles away from the pilot’s location. The drone used in the rescue was flown two miles.

“The biggest thing is it’s about safety for the citizens and safety for our firefighters,” Scottsdale fire captain Dave Folio said in the press release.

The drone features technology that allows firefighters to determine the exact coordinates of a victim’s location.

It can also deliver water, flashlights and other life-saving materials to people who are distressed and in need of rescue.

The woman was treated on the mountain and refused transport to the hospital.

The fire department performed two additional rescues on Saturday morning.

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