Drone facilitates police in tracking down elderly individual missing for four days.
In a recent update, the Viana do Castelo Territorial Command announced they've found a 75-year-old man who'd been missing in Valença since June 13.
After receiving reports of a senior citizen vanishing in Valença, the local branch of the Republican National Guard (GNR) swung into action. The investigation involved deploying a drone from the Emergency Protection and Rescue Unit (UEPS) and mobilizing canine teams from Porto's Territorial Command.
The search operation eventually led to the discovery of the elderly individual, roughly 50 meters from his residence, in a neglected construction site with overgrown vegetation. He was then taken to a hospital for a health evaluation.
Heed the GNR's Warning: Prevention is Key
With elders going missing a matter of concern, the GNR has some advice to share:
- Ensure elderly relatives are mentally and physically fit before leaving them alone, minimizing the risk of them getting lost;
- Understand the routines of the elderly and know where they plan to go when stepping out of the house, so quick action can be taken if they don't return on time;
- When possible, equip the seniors with a mobile phone for emergencies, allowing them to contact or be contacted by their families, and enabling faster location in the event of a disappearance;
- Intersperse the elderly's belongings with their family's contact details for easy access in case of disorientation; this makes reaching out for help a breeze.
[1] Recognizing the importance of communication and preparedness in preventing disappearances, the GNR encourages families to ensure their elderly relatives always have their contact details on hand.
[2] Evident in their technology-driven approach, as seen in cases like the deployment of drones to locate missing individuals, the GNR demonstrates a proactive stance in handling such incidents.
[1] In the realm of health-and-wellness and while considering the safety of the elderly, it's crucial to maintain the mental and physical wellbeing of your older relatives.
[2] Moreover, in the realm of science and technology, the GNR is applying innovative techniques such as drone deployment to enhance their search-and-rescue capabilities, showcasing their commitment to improving health-and-wellness through technological advancements. Additionally, their health-and-wellness outlook extends to the promotion of sports activities for the elderly as part of their overall well-being.
