Infrared drone used to rescue missing 78-year-old man on Christmas Eve

California authorities used a heat-seeking drone to find an elderly man who went missing while going to fetch his mail on Christmas Eve.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Malibu Search and Rescue Team sprung into action to locate the 78-year-old who suffers from early-onset dementia, according to an Instagram post.

Malibu SAR deployed several drones to help in the rescue — including one advanced drone that uses infrared heat-seeking technology to locate targets.

A Malibu Search and Rescue drone pilot operates the console during the search. Malibu Search and Rescue Team
The missing 78-year-old lights up on the infrared screen after being located by the drone. Malibu Search and Rescue Team

That infrared detector spotted “a significant heat signature over the side of the roadway in thick brush,” according to the sheriff’s office.

Authorities deployed teams to the scene of the heat signature and came upon the lost septuagenarian laying motionless in the bushes beside a road.

“Upon arriving at the scene, the rescuers observed the missing man suffering from cold-related illness, confused and unable to walk,” Malibu SAR said.

Authorities deployed teams to the scene of the heat signature and came upon the lost septuagenarian laying motionless in the bushes beside a road. Malibu Search and Rescue Team

Rescuers provided a warm blanket and provided care for the man in an ambulance, according to the report.

“A miracle just in time for the holidays!,” officials said in a post.

The man was rescued and brought to an ambulance to seek medical attention. Malibu Search and Rescue Team

First responders made sure to note how integral the drone was in the rescue.

“This UAS deployment proved the incredible value that these newly adopted tools provide for our search and rescue operations,” the post reads.