*** VISION ALERT *** Drone delivers medicine to isolated community in Northern NSW -

Published: 13 Mar 2025 05:06pm

Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) has used a Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS), or drone to deliver vital medication to a flood-isolated resident in northern NSW, supporting the State Emergency Service (SES)-led emergency response to Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

Yesterday, a FRNSW RPAS team responded to a request from NSW Ambulance, who were unable to access a patient after the community was cut off by floodwater. The team assessed the feasibility of an aerial delivery of medication to the patient.

This morning, firefighters collected the urgent medication from Lismore Hospital before deploying the drone to complete the drop.

During the operation, FRNSW’s Indigenous Liaison Team provided support. A person from the community was on the phone with the patient throughout the process, offering reassurance and support.

FRNSW Indigenous Liaison Teams were deployed this week to visit communities and missions in Northern NSW to understand the challenges they are facing, and assist coordination with other agencies, councils and essential services.

Visit www.ses.nsw.gov.au for the latest warnings and information.

For assistance during floods and storms call the NSW SES on 132 500 or Triple Zero (000) for life threatening emergencies.

Media note - Footage from FRNSW Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) medical supply drop is available here: https://vimeo.com/1065345225/82ffa81a5b?share=copy [external link]

Updated: 13 Mar 2025 04:11pm

listView more incidents

Details about this incident may change and should not be used as emergency information and/or advice.

For all life threatening emergencies, call Triple Zero (000)

For flood information, warnings or requests for non-life threatening assistance, call the SES on 132 500 or visit the NSW State Emergency Service website here. [external link].

For information directly relating to bushfires please call the Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737 or visit the NSW Rural Fire Service Website here. [external link]