TETRA and Drone Technology Secures Pope Francis' visit to Ireland
Laois Civil Defence used a communications vehicle using the TETRA network to ensure efficient communications between all volunteers and with the Gardai and National Ambulance Service if required.
Last weekend, Pope Francis arrived in Ireland on the first papal visit to the majority Roman Catholic nation in almost 40 years. Hundreds of thousands of people braved wet and windy weather to attend Pope Francis' Mass at Phoenix Park in Dublin on Sunday.
Before and during the visit, Laois Civil Defence volunteers, (an organization that provides a wide range of services to the local community such as first aid, search & rescue, swift water rescue as well as event cover for events large and small) played a major role in both the Phoenix Park and at Knock Shrine locations in supporting the Principal Response Agencies of the Gardai and the National Ambulance Services.
The Laois Civil Defence used a communications vehicle using the TETRA network to ensure efficient communications between all volunteers and with the Gardai and National Ambulance Service using TETRA Irelands National Digital Radio Service (NDRS), if required.
Furthermore a number of volunteers supported the Gardai with drone capability if required. Teams from Dublin, Laois, Cork South, Cavan, and Wexford completed an aerial survey and digital mapping of the Phoenix Park in advance of the Papal Visit.
Picture: Courtesey of Civil Defence
