Worldwide, there is a significant increase in the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) by emergency services. They offer a lot of possibilities during rescue operations. Such a wide application for various purposes and environments causes many threats related to their use. To minimize the risks associated with conducting air operations with UAVs, the application of the SORA (Specific Operations Risk Assessment) methodology will be important. Due to its level of detail, it is a methodology adapted to civilian use. In this article, the authors’ team will try to develop guidelines and directions for adapting SORA to the requirements of the operational work of emergency services. Thus, the following article aims to present the most important risks related to conducting operations with the use of UAVs by first responders (FRs), and to show the sample risk analysis performed for this type of operation on the example of the ASSISTANCE project. The paper describes, on the one hand, possibilities offered by UAVs in crisis or disaster management and step-by-step Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA), and on the other hand, presents possible threats, consequences and methods of their mitigation during FR missions.

Worldwide, there is a significant increase in the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) by emergency services. They offer a lot of possibilities during the rescue operation. Such a wide application for various purposes and environments causes many threats related to their use. To minimize the risks associated with conducting air operations with UAVs, the SORA methodology will be important. Due to its level of detail, it is a methodology adapted to civilian use. In this article, the authors' team will try to develop guidelines and directions for adapting SORA to the requirements of the operational work of emergency services. Thus following article aims to present the most important risks related to conducting operations with the use of UAVs by First Responders (FRs) and to show the sample risk analysis performed for this type of operation on the example of the ASSISTANCE project. The paper describes, on the one hand, possibilities offered by UAVs in crisis or disaster management and step-by-step Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA) and on the other hand, presents possible threats, consequences and methods of their mitigation during FRs missions.

Aim: The aim of this article is to present the current use and potential solutions for using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with thermal imaging cameras in firefighting operations. In addition, the article suggests optimal parameters and settings for thermal imaging cameras, which can significantly increase the efficiency and safety of rescue operations. Introduction: Modern technology is providing new tools to support emergency services. One of the latest developments is using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, in firefighting operations. These advanced devices are revolutionising the methods by which firefighters assess and manage emergencies. Of great importance for the potential use of UAVs are the sensors mounted on them, such as thermal imaging cameras. They register the infrared radiation emitted by objects, allowing precise identification of heat sources even in conditions of limited visibility, such as smoke or darkness. Drones equipped in this manner are becoming an indispensable tool in rescue operations, searching for missing persons, assessing the condition and development of fires or inspecting hydraulic infrastructure. Methodology: The article discusses technical issues related to the use of unmanned aerial vehicles in firefighting operations. In developing the article, the authors used their own experience, a review of literature sources on the subject and expert interviews. Conclusions: The contemporary challenges of the Fire Service require modern solutions. The integration of drones with thermal imaging cameras creates opportunities to make rescues more efficient and safer. The article presents examples of how thermal imaging cameras are used in the fire service Keywords: termovisual camera, fire service, unmanned aerial vehicle