DRF Luftrettung celebrates its 50th anniversary

German helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) operator DRF Luftrettung has celebrated its 50^th anniversary this weekend (24 June 2023) by inviting the general public to its Angermünde air rescue station.

DRF Luftrettung flew its first mission on that day in 1973.

At the air base, visitors could view the anniversary helicopter – an H145 with a five-blade rotor in a special paint finish – as well as an interactive exhibition called the ‘World of Air Rescuers’. It included exhibits to give a first-hand insight into the different areas of DRF Luftrettung, whether winch training using virtual reality goggles, a detailed miniature world, or equipment from everyday flight.

Throughout the day, visitors also experienced operational demonstrations. The crew of the Christoph 64 helicopter with the Angermünde fire brigade, the Johanniter-Unfall-Hilfe (JUH) Angermünde, and the Uckermärkische Rescue Service Community (URG) showed the sequence of an operation – from the alarm being raised about a simulated car accident, to the transport of a patient to the clinic by rescue helicopter.

Sven Klitzschmüller, Head of Human Resources and authorized signatory at DRF Luftrettung, said: “We are celebrating the mission anniversary because the people, our patients, but also our employees and supporters, take center stage. We are grateful and proud that we have been able to help so many people in five decades.”