For the first time in the world, we conducted the inaugural training for self-rescue from a drone, simulating a high-risk scenario with zero safety for both the victim and participants, mirroring the current dangers faced by Palestinian citizens in Gaza. Initiated by Ivan Kristof, who was inspired by the tragic deaths of rescuers, doctors, and medical staff during missions, the goal was to test what could be done if a rescuer reached a victim in a collapsed building or deep location, akin to the devastation in Gaza. The victim was secured with a harness and attached to the DBI Sala Rollgliss R350 Rescue & Positioning Device, with the ability for the victim to self-rescue if both the rescuer and drone operator were incapacitated. The test used the DJI FlyCart 30 drone, capable of carrying up to 30kg, with the victim being a team member weighing up to 90kg. Initially planned for a high-altitude flight from a building in Sofia, the location was changed due to safety concerns, and the test was moved to Elin Pelin. Phase 1 was successful, followed by Phase 2, in which Ivan Kristof tested how to attach the world’s first foldable Lenovo ThinkPad X1 to the drone as an airborne “black box.” Phase 3 tested a communication practice during a critical flight phase. The project was intended to be showcased at the Inter Drone Expo 2024, with a risk assessment analysis for official validation by the Civil Aviation Authority of Bulgaria.

The most effective and progressive innovative model of an international volunteer emergency service for Search and Rescue can be created in Bulgaria by building an Innovation ThinkCenter — an innovation hub that will bring together the latest technologies for rescue operations and volunteer initiatives. This center will provide rescuers and volunteers with access to cutting-edge solutions in the field of artificial intelligence, drone technologies, advanced rescue systems and environmentally friendly transport vehicles, thus ensuring a fast, effective and sustainable response to emergencies. Through the integration of future technologies and strategic cooperation between international organizations, the Innovation ThinkCenter will put Bulgaria on the world map of rescue missions, laying the foundations for the future of rescue operations and volunteer innovations.