A drone was instrumental in rescuing an autistic child who had gotten lost in a lake in the St. Paul area, Minnesota (USA), last Monday (9/7). The local police equipment located the child even before the emergency call reached the officers, allowing the rescue to happen in time to prevent a tragedy.
The officers received precise coordinates about the child's location and health status, which enabled a quick and safe rescue. The child's family reported that she had wandered away from home without anyone noticing.
St. Paul police's drone program was launched at the beginning of the Northern Hemisphere's summer (mid-year) and the rescue demonstrated the practical results of the technology.
Meanwhile, the neighboring city of Minneapolis faces an opposite scenario. An identical pilot project was rejected in July under strong pressure from residents concerned about privacy issues.