MEMPHIS, Tennessee — The Memphis Fire Department has some new tools in its water rescue fleet.
Thursday, the department announced the purchase of two swift water rapid response robots known as “E.M.I.L.Y.,” which stands for Emergency Integrated Lifesaving Lanyard. The remote-controlled robots can support up to 8 people struggling in the water. They also are equipped with life vests and a rescue line. Firefighters say these robots are much quicker than just sending out a boat.
“Well, the advantage is this is much easier to deploy. It's much faster to deploy. And we can have this perform multiple rescues before an actual boat gets in the water,” said Lt. Jerald Talbert.
Since 2015, the Memphis Fire Department has responded to 46 water rescues where these devices could have helped. The robots were purchased through the state homeland security grant program.
