In Poland, there are over 100 companies that are involved in activities related to the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). At least 60 companies offer services using these vehicles. 1 Most of these companies are small businesses related to the photography industry. 1 This group also includes companies offering drone components, equipment, and subsystems. 2 In most cases, service providers use small, commercial machines 2 weighing usually between 3 and 15 kg. 1 Their technical equipment depends on their tasks and purpose. For the purposes of monitoring, an octocopter (ie, a multicopter) is used. 1 Such a device is characterized by a high stability of flight, a possibility of precise use by the operator, and the option of equipping the machine with a high-class monitoring equipment. 1 In Poland, UAV production has been increasing for 4–5 years as a result of a higher demand for such equipmentReference Adamczyk 3 . The range and form of services provided by a specific company are important to start a cooperation with the medical sector. Companies are interested in a few different sectors of public life and economy at the same time. 2 The most popular sector is represented by the media (82% of the companies in this sector use drones); 72% of the businesses are ready to get involved in agriculture and forestry, 71% of the companies want to cooperate with the sector of public administration, and 70% are interested in entertainment. 2 Only 32% can cooperate with the military sector. 2 Finally, 54% of the companies are interested in the medical, emergency medical, and transportation sectors. Therefore, there is a possibility for organizers of mass events to start a cooperation with companies providing UAVs. 2
An organizer of medical support has various possibilities of using drones in the monitoring of a mass event. 2 One of the options is renting a UAV from a company specializing in the UAV sector. 2 The current Polish drone market is said to be worth over US $46 million. 2 This value may increase by a few percent in the next years. 2 In companies, the use of UAVs mainly reduces costs. 2 Apart from the financial aspect, it is important that UAVs can be sent to places that no other devices could reach. 2 The variety of purposes and industries available for UAVs is large and was presented in the report on the Polish drone market in 2015. 2 Services related to aerial photography and monitoring of areas prevail in this sector of technology (86%). 2 The report confirms that drones become more and more popular among public order services such as border guards and the police. They are also the future of the medical sector. 2 They are especially popular with the search and rescue service sector. 2 In Poland, US $27 million (half of the drone market) cover the sales of semi-professional drones and professional UAVs for the purpose of photography. 2 Training for drone operators is a sector worth US $3.7 million, and manufacturing together with sales of this specialized equipment is worth another US $9 million. 2 As a consequence of a new budget perspective, the European Commission may financially support companies that are active in the UAV sector within the Horizon 2020 and the COSME programs. 4 It is also possible for Polish institutions to support such projects. 2 Horizon 2020 is certainly the greatest European innovation funding program ever. 4 The budget of the current Horizon 2020 framework program for the years 2014–2020 is EUR $80 billion and provides better chances of using drones by companies that are responsible for medical support of mass events. 4 The specific actions taken within the Horizon 2020 and the COSME programs will be defined by the European Commission. The Commission shall also make proper tools available to the participants of the programs, especially to small and medium businesses.Reference Gontarz, Kędzierska, Kosieliński and Rutkowski 5 Participation requirements will be stated to avoid duplicating ideas and to ensure full exploitation of the available funds. There is also another program, called Proteus, led by the Industrial Research Institute of Automation and Measurements. The purpose of this program is to create solutions for public services by means of using drones crisis situations and rescue procedures. 6 WB Electronics and Robotics Inventions are examples of Polish companies offering equipment for such purposes.Reference Gontarz, Kędzierska, Kosieliński and Rutkowski 5
The support of UAV-related projects is also offered by the National Centre for Research and Development (NCRD). The NCRD is going to spend over US $78 million on such projects. The purpose of this action is to create and demonstrate new products, technologies, and processes to promote development. Owing to the support provided by the NCRD, development research will be conducted, and the innovative companies will be able to test their state-of-the-art solutions. Micro-, small, medium, and large companies could apply for the additional funds. There are 30 projects awarded in this program. 6 One of the sector programs by the NCRD is related to innovations closely related to the Polish market of the unmanned aerial systems. In the first edition of the program (INNOSBZ), businessmen have the possibility to be supported with additional funds for their research on drones and drone-related technologies. The amount of money allocated to this project totals US $13 million. The greatest part of the funds (US $9 million) will be allocated to research and the construction of devices. The rest of the financial resources will be allocated to companies involved in the production of components and subsystems related to the drone market (eg, sensors, communication systems and software, and the visual optical sensors found in some UAVs [such as the Inspire I] because these sensors provide stability to the drone for better imaging and therefore are important for better viewing of a mass casualty site). The program is dedicated to companies and consortiums that associate businessmen only. This project should enable the cooperation between the sectors that did not use UAVs before. The program was created because of the company WB Electronics, as requested by the Polish Technology Platform for Unmanned Systems. The devices developed within this program should later be allocated to police units, fire brigades, crisis management services, and other rescue and public order services. As a result, drones will be more common in the public use, including mass events. The developed UAVs will also be able to survey and detect risks of terrorist attacks. To qualify for the INNOSBZ project, the minimal value of the project should be US $0.5 million, and the maximum value is US $5 million. The project is a part of the Smart Growth Operational Programme. 6
The aim of this analysis is to analyze the costs of UAV implementation in the mass event medical support system. The presented funds required in such projects and the way of raising these funds illustrate the range of the project and its requirements.
METHODS
This article is based on a broad analysis of the available Polish and foreign literature.
RESULTS
Rental costs of drones vary, depending on the specific models of the devices. 2 The previously mentioned report on the Polish drone market in 2015 includes data related to UAV services provided by Polish companies and to the number of aerial devices used (125 companies in total). 2 A majority of companies (36%) use the model DJI Phantom 3. Similar devices of older generation (DJI Phantom 2) are used by 27% of businesses. The same number of companies use the model DJI Inspire 1. Finally, 10% of companies use the models DJI S900 and DJI S1000. 2 The most popular companies in Poland related to the drone market are WB Electronics, Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa, FlyTech Solutions, Novelty RPAS, Eurotech, and Dronlab. 2 If one wants to rent a drone from one of the most popular companies in Poland, one should expect high costs. As far as devices worth US $2,684–5,368 are concerned, daily rental costs may amount to as much as US $1,073, depending on the worth of the whole set. 2 Sometimes the operators’ work should also be taken into account and included in the costs. 2 Some companies introduce charges per flight, not per day. Therefore, the cost of a 30-minute filming may amount to as much as US $402. 2 As a consequence, it will be more cost-efficient for medical support providers to purchase professional equipment and train staff on how to operate it. Owning such equipment, organizers of mass events may also share devices with other public security services.
Prices of Services With the Use of Drones Based on Drone Model and Equipment of the Set
*Life transmission parameters: signal range 2 km, maximum altitude 500 meters, image quality HD 72.
PLN=Poland’s currency.
DJI Inspire is the most expensive of the models mentioned previously. Its costs vary between US $3,489 and US $6,710, depending on the quality of the camera, the controller, and any additional equipment of the set. 2 DJI Phantom 3 is more frequently used because it is much cheaper; its price is about US $1,342. 2 However, not every provider of these devices can guarantee a high-quality surveillance during a mass event. The Polish market also provides high-class models where the prices reach from US $13,421 up to US $28,842. For example, Freefly Systems ALTA has much better parameters than the most popular drones.Reference Karlsrud and Rosen 7 Apart from its high-resolution camera, the greatest advantage of the model is the long working time with no need of interlandings.Reference Reagan 8 When making a decision on which model to purchase, one should carefully consider its future purpose and select the quality that would ensure efficient exploitation of the device.Reference Reagan 8 The previously mentioned devices would significantly improve rescuers’ work and not only during mass events. One should take into account not only the price of the equipment, but also the price of the third-party insurance with a minimal insurance cover, and air casco insurance. 2
UAVs are characterized by a variety of types and structures.Reference Novaro Mascarello 9 They can be classified according to various parameters.Reference Brown 10 As far as the quality and usefulness of the devices are concerned, the most important factors are their flying height, flying time, and range. Based on these factors, UAVs can be classified into 5 basic groups.Reference Brown 10
UAVs Classification Groups
CR=close range; SR=short range; UAV=unmanned aerial vehicle.
The high altitude, long endurance (HALE) machines belong to the first group. Their flying range is 2,000 km, the flying altitude is over 20 km, and the time of a single flight is between 24 and 48 hours. Drones with such parameters are usually used in military contexts. Another group involves short range (SR) UAVs. Their range is between 30 and 70 km, the altitude is below 3 km, and flying time is less than 6 hours. The third group is the so-called close range (CR) group. The flying range of these devices is 10 to 30 km, their altitude is below 3 km, and the time of a single flight is 2 to 3 hours. The last 2 groups are mini unmanned aerial vehicle (mini UAV) and micro unmanned aerial vehicle (micro UAV). Mini UAVs are characterized by a short flying range (shorter than 10 km), their altitude is lower than 1 km, and the time of their single flight is a maximum of 2 hours. Finally, the micro UAV group has a little lower range than the mini UAVs, their highest altitude is 250 m, and the time of their single flight is only 1 hour. The last group of drones is the most common one on the Polish market, and it is most often used in leisure activities, sport events, or commercial events.Reference Brown 10 For the purposes of surveillance, taking pictures, and photodetection, the most often used UAVs are mini and micro UAVs.Reference Gilman 11 The range of these 2 groups is sufficient to visualize a medically secured area. However, sometimes it is worth to select high-class equipment, taking into account such parameters as flying time and image stabilization.Reference Brown 10
According to Polish legal regulations, aerial operations involving UAVs beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) require proper training and an official Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Operator (UAVO) state exam. 2 Based on the education and verification, operators are awarded qualification certificates that vary depending on the type of the used UAV device.Reference Finn and Wright 12 Moreover, in the case of BVLOS flights, a drone needs to be additionally equipped with navigation and connection devices. 2 The most important devices in the equipment are anti-collision systems that avoid collisions with other flying machines, and tools that provide a constant connection with the operator and air traffic controlling services. 2 It is important that a flight goes as previously scheduled. 2 Monitoring an area, even in visual line of sight (VLOS) operations, an operator must verify whether there are no zones where drone flights are forbidden. 2 UAVO qualifications enable operators to use UAVs for purposes other than leisure and sports events.Reference Price 13 Therefore, to use drones in the medical support of mass events, operators need the UAVO qualifications. 2 Any flights related to providing services require UAVO qualifications. 2
The number of people with UAVO certificates has increased dramatically all over the world. 2 The main reason of this increase is that leading independent business related to the drone sector is impossible without the UAVO certificate. 2 The highest number of certified people have been reported in Japan, the United States, France, and Poland. 2 Poland ranks 4th in terms of the number of drone operators. 2 There are more and more centers offering trainings related to this sector. 2 In August 2015, the Civil Aviation Office published data showing that the number of certified individuals amounts to 1,181. 2 However, the numbers have since been increasing and now total 2,235 operators. 2 Legal regulations do not always require courses covering both theoretical and practical training.Reference Finn and Wright 12 Acquiring such drone-related knowledge can be easier for some individuals and more difficult for others. In Poland, there are centers offering paid courses. 1 There are 23 registered training centers offering operator trainings in Poland. BVLOS trainings cost between US $1,610 and $6,710. To become a certified operator, one needs qualifications awarded by one of the centers officially accredited by the Civil Aviation Office.Reference Finn and Wright 12 The VLOS courses are not obligatory and are less expensive; they cost around US $537. To take the examination, one should have current aeromedical examination results (US $54) and a valid third-party insurance.Reference Price 13 Further costs are examination fees (theoretical examination: US $14; practical examination: US $28) and the UAVO certificate (US $12).Reference Finn and Wright 12
Number of Obtained UAVO Certificates.
There are types of UAVO qualifications.Reference Terwilliger, Vincenzi and Ison 14 These types include VLOS, BVLOS, and instructor (INS) qualifications.Reference Finn and Wright 12 The specific requirements are presented in the Act of 3rd July 2002 – Aviation Law, and the certification conditions are described in the 3rd June 2013 Regulation of the Minister of Transport, Construction and Maritime Economy concerning qualification certificates.Reference Price 13 The UAVO qualifications are unlimited in time; however, the particular individual qualifications may be limited in time depending on the type of qualifications.Reference Finn and Wright 12 Basic VLOS and BVLOS certificates are issued for 5 years, whereas INS qualifications are valid for 3 years.Reference Finn and Wright 12 After the expiration date, the qualifications are no longer valid.Reference Finn and Wright 12 There is a special company led by the Civil Aviation Office that deals with certificate validity extension.Reference Price 13 The issued documents include information about the specific drone category and weight.Reference Price 13 It is significant because UAVs that are heavier than 25 kg are subject to other regulations that are not included in the UAVO.Reference Finn and Wright 12
It is important to be familiar with the attachment no. 6 of the Regulation of the Minister of Transport, Construction and Maritime Economy to prepare for the theoretical examination.Reference Price 13 Regulations included in this attachment describe the requirements for VLOS UAV flights.Reference Price 13 As far as other subjects are concerned, the topics are presented on obligatory courses. The place of examination depends on the type of equipment used. The skills that are checked during examination are secure battery operation, crucial operator’s behavior in emergency situations, and behavior in other situations usually related to the security of flight.Reference Price 13
Information Included in the UAVO.
The person with the previously described qualifications may be a rescuer or other person involved in the medical support of the event.Reference Price 13 Such a solution means a cost reduction for organizers as well as stability of orders and constant development in the field of mass event surveillance for operators. A drone operator is responsible for detecting anomalies and reporting them to relevant services.Reference Terwilliger, Vincenzi and Ison 14 Such coordinated procedures help in the organization of medical support, faster identification of life threats, and effective implementation of medical procedures.
DISCUSSION
UAVs can be implemented in the standard equipment of the medical support of mass events in various ways. One of the options is the cooperation with a drone rental company either with or without an operator controlling the device. 2 Sometimes high costs of such service go along with a relatively short monitoring time. Purchasing a UAV by the organizers of medical support is a better option than renting drones. Buying a drone ensures full flexibility in drone exploitation for the purpose of surveillance and constant rescue team support. The drone range properties vary depending on the model and the purpose for which the machine was constructed.Reference Gontarz, Kędzierska, Kosieliński and Rutkowski 5 The monitoring drones usually offered by businesses are included in the groups of micro and mini UAVs with the time of a single flight not longer than 1 hour.Reference Hodapp 15 The drone operator requirements depend on the visibility of the operation. There are both VLOS and BVLOS qualifications.Reference Terwilliger, Vincenzi and Ison 14 Each of these certificates can be obtained through different trainings that are obligatory in the case of BVLOS qualifications.Reference Price 13 The UAVO qualifications are awarded after having passed the UAVO examination and delivering all required documents.Reference Price 13 Although drone operations in emergency locations, such as disasters, should always be coordinated with the incident commander and local authorities, it is clear that even the informal use of a drone by non-professional “consumers” has already resulted in a net benefit to public safety and will continue to do so as the technology becomes more commonly used. 16
In Poland, the operator’s liability is legally specified in Annex 6 (for flying models) and Annex 6a (for UAVs) to the Regulations of the Minister for transport, construction, and maritime management of March 26, 2013.
CONCLUSION
Combining the role of a drone operator and a paramedic is a very effective solution for a medical support organizer. As a paramedic, the drone operator knows the specific emergency medical procedures and should detect mass event threats in a more effective way. Before a decision on the use of UAV monitoring is made, a test should be done as far as medical support services coordination is concerned.Reference Geospatial. and Geospatial 17 Drone costs do not always go along with quality of drone operations. Therefore, it is important to test properties of the specific device before using it during a mass event.
