The air rescue organization relies on Bucher Leichtbau for the interior fittings of its new helicopters. The signed agreement between the two organizations comprises 15 AC70 kits for the H145 and up to five AC67 kits for the H135, developed with the input of DRF Luftrettung’s practical experience.

These interior fittings include a stretcher, a new system for carrying patients that was extensively tested for over a year at two of DRF Luftrettung’s HEMS bases before the start of series production, which meets all the requirements of the HEMS crew.

Dr Krystian Pracz, CEO of DRF Luftrettung, said: “For many years now, we have relied on Bucher Leichtbau’s HEMS equipment, which meets our high-quality standards. Thanks to our close collaboration, we were able to incorporate our practical experience directly into the development process at Bucher Leichtbau.

“The equipment’s modularity offers us the advantage that it can be adapted to different mission profiles, such as winch rescue or special intensive care transport.”

The new carrying system boasts innovative features that relieve the crews and benefit the patient. For instance, the stretcher is optimized for transfer processes: if a patient has to be transferred to an ambulance stretcher between the helicopter and the hospital, for example, this operation will be even gentler and safer in future.

Beat Burlet, CEO of Bucher Leichtbau, added: “We are very pleased that our offer has been so well received and that we can continue our successful collaboration with DRF Luftrettung. Having such an experienced air rescue organization by our side means great added value for us.”