Single-Seat eVTOL an Excellent Steed for the First Guy On-Scene

Jetson got an unusual invite from the GOPR Polish Mountain Rescue Team: Try out a pair of their production single-seat eVTOLs in a rescue scenario.

The team travelled to southern Poland with some Jetson ONEs in tow, trying out a number of practice scenarios in the local mountainscape. The single-seat nature of the ONE apparently didn’t cause much issue in terms of rescue ops, intended to provide rapid transport to the very first of the first-responders. Under that mission profile, the Jetson is meant to ferry the first medic to the scene, where he can initiate the very first line of medical response and stabilization. Heavier aircraft can bring up the rear and transport stabilized patients to medical facilities downslope and downtown. Or, with a handful of Jetson ONEs on hand, a cost-effective response can be made to iron out even more kinks, like specialists to set up a landing area, triage patients, or maintain intensive care until extra hands can arrive.

The ONE weighs about 250 pounds, and folds up for easy transportation, which trickles down into easier storage around a firehouse or station. The Polish rescue specialists were apparently impressed by the ONE’s performance, since it was able to handle 31-knot crosswinds with aplomb. They further admired the all-electric propulsion and fairly pared-down design, since it helps to avoid the kind of maintenance one expects of larger rotary-wing aircraft. It seems to have cracked open a world of possibilities for Jetson, who now say they’re “evaluating further optimization of the ONE for life-saving operations that will allow first responders to reach previously inaccessible terrain in record time.”

“This is not just a tech showcase, but a real opportunity for a new tool in our work. Equipment like this could enable extremely fast access to casualties—especially in situations where reaching them by ATV or on foot takes dozens of minutes if not longer depending on availability of prepared mountain trails. The Jetson ONE could serve as a ‘rescue spearhead’—the first responder who arrives instantly and can begin action immediately,” said Jaros?aw Jurczakiewicz, head of the Podhale GOPR Group.

“We are proud to test our vehicle in such a demanding environment and with such an experienced partner as GOPR. The insights gathered will help us develop the project based on the real needs of rescuers,” said Tomasz Patan, Jetson founder and CTO.

“Every time nature strikes, and rapid assistance is needed in hard-to-reach places—due to floods, washed-out roads, or inaccessible terrain—we receive countless emails from around the world inquiring about the availability of the Jetson ONE. That’s why we know the Jetson ONE will save lives and make a difference in first responder applications, especially in remote areas.” said Stéphan D’haene, Jetson CEO.

FMI: www.jetson.com