Abstract
PurposeMountaineering and related activities are increasingly becoming popular and are accompanied by an increase in medical incidents. Emergency operations in mountainous terrain are time-critical and often pose major logistical challenges for rescuers. Drones are expected to improve the operational performance of mountain rescuers. However, they are not yet widely used in mountain rescue missions. This paper examines the determinants that drive the behavioral intention of mountain rescuers to adopt drones in rescue missions.Design/methodology/approachThis is a behavioral study that builds upon an extended model of the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) and investigates the relationship between individual attitudes, perceptions, and intentions for drone adoption. Original survey data of 146 mountain rescuers were analyzed using moderated ordinary least squares (OLS) regression analysis.FindingsResults indicate that the behavioral intention to use drones in mountain rescue missions is driven by the expected performance gains and facilitating conditions. Favorable supporting conditions and experience with drones further moderate the relationship between performance expectancy and behavioral intention. The effects for effort expectancy, social influence, and demonstrations were not significant.Practical implicationsRescue organizations and stakeholders are recommended to consider the identified determinants in the implementation of drones in emergency logistics. Drone manufacturers targeting mountain rescue organizations are advised to focus on operational performance, provide sufficient support and training, and promote the gathering of practical experience.Originality/valueA tailored-model that provides first empirical results on the relevance of personal and environmental factors for the acceptance of drones in emergency logistics is presented.
Highlights
Human life is far more important than just getting to the top of a mountain
The baseline model with the covariates shows that only the attitude toward using technology has a positive effect on behavioral intention (BI), and the effect becomes nonsignificant once the main predictors are added in the main model
We developed a framework that presents novel insights on personal and environment-related factors influencing the adoption of new technology to save lives
Summary
Human life is far more important than just getting to the top of a mountain. With the rising number of people conquering the mountains, medical emergencies have become more frequent (Mort and Godden, 2011; Muhar et al, 2007; Ciesa et al, 2014). In the European Alps and in North America, the number of rescue missions has steadily increased over several decades (Lischke et al, 2001; Heggie, 2008). This development presents additional challenges for mountain rescuers as responding to emergencies is complicated due to logistics challenges, including heavy terrain and adverse weather conditions. The time-consuming ascent of mountain rescuers on foot is the only viable option
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