Drones - savior and risk - life and death

Drones are the embodiment of modern technology. They save lives, deliver medical care (patient transportation, transport of necessary blood products and medical supplies, drones as medical sensors that use radar technology to detect injured people and measure necessary vital signs) in remote and underserved areas a true blessing. BUT they are also becoming a massive threat that can cause death, chaos, suffering and a great deal of destruction.

Drone strikes are a typical “gray rhino” for me because their impact is known but often underestimated, especially their threat to civilian responders and the time it takes to get medical care.

Current figures and findings from the war in Ukraine

Injuries caused by drone attacks

Study results: Over 75% of injuries to Russian soldiers during non-active combat operations are caused by drones (source: Military Medical Journal, Russia).

Comparison with other causes:

20% of injuries caused by artillery fire.
4% of injuries caused by small arms.

Time until evacuation

Issue of delayed surgical care: The time between wounding and evacuation has tripled to 14.5 hours due to the tactical nature and frequency of drone strikes.

Influence on battle dynamics

Drones are more lethal than traditional weapons: According to reports, drones kill more soldiers and destroy more vehicles than tanks, sniper rifles, howitzers and mortars combined.
Drones also provide a new flexibility and security: drone pilots can operate from a safe distance and from protected positions.

Drones as cost-effective war machines according to the “robot first” strategy

Drones are cheaper to produce and also to deploy than conventional war machines.
The loss of a drone model is less painful than that of a tank or other expensive equipment.

But what enormous impact does this have on civilian emergency services? The challenges for firefighters, police and emergency managers are growing every day!

The emergency services face many direct dangers, but also a great deal of psychological stress.

They are confronted with the consequences of drone attacks, e.g. large-scale fires, many chemical pollutants and unstable structures.
Traumatic experiences while rescuing victims and coping with destruction increase the risk of PTSD and stress enormously.

Of course, we should also urgently discuss (possible) protective measures in this context

The use of AR for real-time visualization of hazards such as the spread of pollutants and building stability is essential. Not only to protect the emergency services and everyday heroes, but above all the civilian population, because they are the weakest link in the chain and are just as directly affected by the spread of pollutants.
Emergency managers also need “wargaming/disaster wargaming” to prepare for scenarios involving drone attacks and other crisis scenarios.
Improved and optimized health monitoring, e.g. through the introduction of stress measurements and preventive examinations.
There is an urgent need for action, because the already known danger posed by drones requires proactive planning, strategic preparation and, of course, innovative technologies.
And of course, the call to action should not be missing, i.e. strengthening resilience and protecting the health of the emergency services through targeted investment in protective measures and sophisticated preventive strategies.

Dear emergency manager community,

Imagine having already played through the most complex crisis scenarios before they become reality - this is exactly what disaster wargaming (whether as AR, AI or board game) makes possible. This immersive simulation technology offers emergency managers the unique opportunity to safely master stressful situations, test innovative solutions and sharpen their personal decision-making skills under pressure. With each new scenario you play through, you not only build your practical skills, but also your mental resilience. “Disaster wargaming” is, in my view, a very valuable tool that can be adapted specifically for emergency managers to simulate realistic scenarios and strengthen decision-making skills in crisis situations - regardless of military experience.

Why should “Disaster Wargaming” be of particular interest to emergency managers?

It offers realistic scenarios: Simulations of drone attacks, natural disasters or technical disruptions offer the opportunity to be prepared for real threats.
Increased personal and collective stress resilience: Wargaming also allows emergency managers to practice strategic decisions under pressure and further optimize their responses.
It can significantly improve coordination: It supports collaboration between authorities, emergency responders and other stakeholders by also testing communication and decision-making processes.

Can you see all the mistakes in the picture? I do ... Why should AI be any different to us humans - it can only learn and be optimized if it practices with us over the long term :-)

What is the great added value of wargaming/disaster wargaming for emergency managers (even without military background or training)?

Wargaming/disaster wargaming is possible and effective without prior military training. A simple introduction makes it possible, i.e. scenarios and procedures are tailored to the specific requirements of civilian crisis managers, without complicated military terminology. The focus on civilian crises, e.g. evacuations, communication failures, chemical accidents or large-scale fires, which are relevant for emergency managers, is given. Practice-oriented, clear and intuitive processes ensure that participants need no prior knowledge.
They can make mistakes in a safe environment, i.e. participants can learn from mistakes (and this is a very important added value factor!) without risking real consequences. We should consciously admit mistakes openly and honestly, because only then can we really grow and develop real resilience and strength.
Creative problem solving can be so exciting, i.e. unforeseen twists and turns in simulations promote innovative and flexible approaches to solutions.
It also enables insights to be gained from experience, i.e. wargaming also helps to effectively uncover weaknesses in existing crisis plans and improve them in a targeted manner.
In my opinion, the cost-benefit argument is definitely there, because wargaming is a cost-effective way to significantly increase operational readiness and efficiency while also minimizing follow-up costs due to inefficient responses. Wargaming/disaster wargaming is not just preparation, but a real opportunity to save (many) lives and improve processes in an emergency.
Sophisticated interdisciplinary approaches are possible, i.e. the involvement of experts from different areas - from the fire department and police to health and care services - for realistic training conditions (there are certainly no limits here for individual training scenarios - so please be creative and always think of 360-degree viewpoint scenarios, because only through permanent training in the possible “worst-case system” can you achieve sustainable and consolidated resilience).
Continuous and sustained training ensures that emergency managers are always up to date and can react quickly and safely to new threats such as (possible) drone attacks or technological developments.
Another very important plus point is the creation of an appropriate network. The joint simulations promote cooperation between different stakeholders and strengthen the resilience of the entire community. Disaster wargaming enables emergency managers to ensure that they are optimally prepared for modern crisis scenarios. It is not just a “training tool”, but a crucial building block for effective risk and crisis management

Please use the power of disaster wargaming as your personal strategy to take the lead in any crisis and navigate your community and team safely through any challenge, no matter how complex.

Drones as the new “gray rhinos”

Position drones as modern “gray rhinos” in your future strategy plans because they are an obvious and yet underestimated threat. Drone attacks are not a distant danger - they are a direct risk that we cannot ignore. With innovative technologies and a very specific focus on health protection, we can sustainably improve and better protect the safety of our firefighters, police officers, emergency managers and healthcare personnel.

They possess an enormous lethal efficiency. Training scenarios could include detecting drones, responding to their attacks, and evacuating endangered areas.
Their speed and precision are overwhelming, meaning drones pursue targets such as vehicles and individuals with an efficiency that surpasses traditional weapons.
Place psychological stress high on your list as well, because the feeling of being hunted by "invisible snipers" creates a completely new level of psychological pressure. Emergency responders might develop the feeling of never truly being safe, even in locations previously considered secure. This type of psychological pressure can be paralyzing, not only in the moment of danger but also for many hours and days afterward. However, this nightmare for emergency forces can be somewhat mitigated. By integrating real-time stress measurements, you may be able to monitor the strain on responders more effectively and take and implement countermeasures in time before a sustained overload occurs. Complemented by sophisticated AR-based training that realistically simulates such scenarios, emergency responders could be empowered to visually grasp the drone threat and develop their own strategies, systematically reducing stress and uncertainty. This is not just about managing massive threats — it is also about proactively strengthening the safety and confidence of our emergency responders so that they can face the challenge with clarity and determination. In my view, this approach is much more than just a tool — it is a genuine investment in the mental resilience, wellbeing and health of our everyday heroes.
They have tremendous impacts on emergency responders as well as the civilian population and firefighters, military personnel, police officers, healthcare professionals and emergency managers face massive challenges related to health risks. Toxins from explosives and substances like lithium and many other chemical residues can lead to acute and long-term health problems.
The intense time pressure can lead to enormous psychological and physical strain: The doubling of the time between injury and evacuation increases the pressure on emergency responders to make quick (and hopefully correct) decisions. Promoting psychological resilience reduces the long-term strain caused by drone-induced stressors.
The buildup of immense psychological stress is exacerbated by the unpredictable nature of drone attacks. Even though drone strikes (in many countries) are still rare, their unpredictability and precision pose a unique threat that could bring significant psychological burdens to emergency responders. Unlike traditional threats, which allow for certain protective measures due to their predictability, drones symbolize modern technological threats. They "hover" over emergency forces like an invisible Sword of Damocles.
Please also focus on practical strategies in the realm of health and prevention, i.e., integrating PGx testing and stress measurements to ensure the safety and resilience of emergency responders.

Furthermore, focus on the simulation of toxic exposures through wargaming and AR to sensitize your emergency forces and enhance their responsiveness. AR-based training can visualize the effects of drone attacks, e.g., toxic dispersion or fires and enable rapid and coordinated deployment planning. Hybrid solutions combining board games, AR and tabletop exercises are also recommended, as they provide a low-threshold yet very realistic preparation. Drone usage is highly diverse — whether in war zones, smuggling or illegal activities, the dangers of toxic exposures must always be considered, whether in an attack on a warehouse or a chemical plant.

Why the simulation of pollutant risks is so important

In scenarios, you could simulate specific pollutants from drones, e.g. lithium gases, chemical residues or smoke development. The “players or training participants” should then set up appropriate protective measures such as breathing apparatus, evacuation zones or decontamination stations. Lithium-ion batteries (lithium, cobalt and other heavy metals) from explosives release toxic gases/vapors and heavy metals that endanger the respiratory tract and organs. Long-term exposure can lead to cancer or neurological damage.
Drones are also often made of lightweight plastics or composite materials such as carbon fiber. When these materials burn or explode, toxic gases such as carbon monoxide or dioxins are produced. These pollutants can then cause respiratory irritation, poisoning or even acute respiratory distress. Some drones use fossil fuels or lubricants, which can leave behind environmentally harmful residues in the event of accidents or fires.
Explosives or chemical substances in drones can cause skin irritation, eye injuries or chemical burns. Many drones, especially military drones, are equipped with explosives. These can leave behind chemical residues such as TNT, RDX or ammonium nitrate.
Fires caused by drone strikes expose emergency personnel to extreme heat, which can lead to dehydration or heat exhaustion.
Pollutants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are produced in fires, are carcinogenic. Long-term exposure can increase the risk of lung, skin and other types of cancer.
Electronic components such as circuit boards and chips often contain lead, mercury and other toxic substances that can be released when destroyed and cause neurological damage with prolonged exposure.
Modern drones could also contain fiber optic cables or other advanced materials that release dangerous particles when destroyed.
Repeated exposure to smoke and toxic gases can lead to chronic diseases such as asthma or COPD.
Operational hygiene is also crucial, i.e. thorough cleaning of equipment and clothing after operations can reduce the absorption of harmful substances.
Regular medical examinations, PGx analyses and stress measurements can help to identify health problems at an early stage and, where possible, prevent and treat them.

Even if drone attacks are not currently commonplace, there is a growing risk that they could be used in criminal or terrorist contexts - whether for attacks on critical infrastructure such as energy or communication systems or for very targeted attacks on crowds of people. Firefighters, police officers, paramedics and emergency managers must be prepared for these threats in order to be able to act safely and effectively in such scenarios. There are frequent reports of mysterious drone sightings near airports and even military installations that raise security concerns.

Drones could target energy plants, waterworks and even communication centers, i.e. firefighters would then be responsible for fighting fires and evacuation, and this is exactly where wargaming/disaster wargaming and AR could be used for such scenarios and effectively prepare emergency services.

With these approaches, it is possible to build an effective bridge between existing military applications and the specific needs of our civilian forces and thus close existing gaps to some extent.

Sources:

https://www.msn.com/de-de/nachrichten/other/wirkung-wie-artillerie-ukraine-schl%C3%A4gt-mit-glasfaserdrohne-gegen-putin-zur%C3%BCck/ar-AA1CnpnL (Retrieval: 10.04.2025)
https://www.zdf.de/nachrichten/politik/ausland/drohnen-taktik-luftabwehr-ukraine-krieg-russland-100.html (Retrieval: 10.04.2025)
https://www.msn.com/de-de/nachrichten/welt/t%C3%B6dliche-effizienz-der-drohnen-im-ukraine-krieg-eine-ganz-andere-art-von-albtraum/ar-AA1BT9cW (Retrieval: 10.04.2025)
https://www.zdf.de/nachrichten/politik/ausland/usa-drohnen-hintergrund-faq-100.html (Retrieval: 10.04.2025)
https://www.healthdata.org/research-analysis/library/burden-neurological-disorders-across-us-1990-2017 (Retrieval: 10.04.2025)
https://www.climate.gov/news-features/blogs/beyond-data/2024-active-year-us-billion-dollar-weather-and-climate-disasters (Retrieval: 10.04.2025)

https://www.fr.de/politik/ukraine-krieg-studie-belegt-drohnen-sind-die-toedlichste-waffe-im-93655176.html (Retrieval: 10.04.2025)
Measuring stress in an augmented training environment: approaches and applications, David Jones(&) and Sara Dechmerowski, Design Interactive, Orlando, FL, USA (Retrieval: 10.04.2025)