Cancer patients, isolated by floodwaters on the state’s mid north coast, have received urgent medical supplies delivered by a NSW SES drone, in what’s believed to be an Australian first.
A crew of volunteers flew the critical supplies across the Manning River to Harrington on Friday night, after receiving an urgent request from isolated residents.
Conditions were declared too dangerous for boats to make the crossing, and with all helicopters otherwise assigned, the decision was made to use a drone.
NSW SES drone pilot Gabe Mihalas said having the option to use a drone meant keeping volunteers out of floodwater and out of danger.
“We didn’t have much visual on the Harrington side being night, so I used it in infrared mode and used aerial mapping,” Mr Mihalas said.
“We had a few locals watching from further up the road and cheered us as the drop happened, so it feels really good to know we’ve made a positive impact in such a tough time for this community,” Mr Mihalas said.
“It’s a great feeling to be a part of this and there are many different people involved, but it was definitely a nice feeling to be out there on the frontline doing the actual delivery.”
Local palliative care nurse Tiffany Willis, who is also isolated, worked with SES volunteers to receive the delivery and take it straight to patients.
“My boss approached me and said they had spoken to the patients, and they were working through ways to help them given their isolation.
“I spoke directly with the NSW SES throughout and worked with them to find an appropriate location. The communication was really great and seamless,” Miss Willis said.
“Within three hours of the drop off I had treated the patients and was back home. Those two patients were just so relieved and so thankful to receive medical treatment and some reassurance that even though we are still cut off, we’re not completely isolated from help.”
“I feel really proud to have a made a small difference and it feels good because it is the right thing to do.”
The NSW SES has been trialing drones as part of an innovation program and first put them to operational use during Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
The NSW SES currently operates seven drones and has 12 pilots but is looking to expand its program.
Euan McKenzie, Chief Remote Pilot NSW SES, said the agency is always looking at ways to innovate and use technology to increase safety and effectiveness.
“We have been through this training process so to send them off on what would be an historic flight, there is a certain amount of nervousness, but I know our volunteers have exceptional and broad skillsets, so I am very proud of that team.”
The NSW SES has completed 200 resupply jobs in the past two days and continues to undertake further resupplies as the response continues.
If you are isolated or need urgent resupply for items such as food and medication, please call132 500 for a resupply request.