Press Release

Issued by DRF Luftrettung.

January 26, 2017

In 2016 DRF Luftrettung was called 38,023 times to rescue missions in total. The crews of its ambulance aircraft took care of 198 patients in 46 countries in the same year. DRF Luftrettung operates helicopters for emergency rescue and the transport of intensive care patients between clinics at 31 HEMS bases in Germany and Austria, eight of these 24/7. In addition to this, DRF Luftrettung operates ambulance aircraft for the worldwide repatriation of patients.

The pilots, emergency physicians and paramedics of DRF Luftrettung are ready to provide life-saving aid, 365 days a year. If they are alerted, they are on spot within a very short period of time. In 2016 DRF Luftrettung was very frequently alerted after traffic and leisure accidents. Approximately every fifth emergency patient of DRF Luftrettung had suffered a stroke or an acute coronary syndrome. Due to the increasing specialization of clinics and hospitals in certain medical conditions, there is often a huge distance between an emergency patient and the appropriate clinic. In such a case the helicopter is by far the quickest and most efficient rescue method.

At its two HEMS bases in Austria rescue missions in mountainous areas were frequent. The helicopters based in Tyrol and Carinthia are equipped with a cable winch, which is essential for rescue operations in alpine terrain. A specially equipped offshore-helicopter is also based at Güttin (isle of Rügen) to provide fast emergency service for offshore-operations in the Baltic Sea.

The operation center of DRF Luftrettung at Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden airport ensures the airworthiness of its own ambulance aircraft and helicopter fleet around the clock, 365 days a year. About 100 engineers are on duty for DRF Luftrettung. The department IASS (International Aviation Sales and Service) offers the whole range of services of DRF Luftrettung to private, commercial and official aviation operators. National and international clients benefit not only from the extensive expertise in air rescue and from the performance of the technical service center of DRF Luftrettung with their own design organization, but also from flight operation trainings.

Within Germany DRF Luftrettung is most experienced in 24-hour flight operation. The air rescue organization uses high-tech night vision goggles and modern helicopters such as the new H145. This helicopter is excellently suited for 24-hour air rescue missions thanks to its performance capability and the Fenestron. Currently DRF Luftrettung operates seven H145, but more will be acquired.