DRF Luftrettung introduces blood products to Rendsburg base

German air ambulance operator DRF Luftrettung has announced the introduction of plasma and packed red blood cells on board its Christoph 42 emergency helicopter, based in Rendsburg, in the German state of Schleswig-Holstein.

DRF Luftrettung introduced the blood products to its Rendsburg operations in April. The move, which allows the administration of blood transfusions at the scene of accidents, can significantly increase the survival rate of patients.

To support this upgrade, DRF Luftrettung has implemented a depot at the Rendsburg base to store blood preparations.

The operator stated that the blood cells are supplied to the depot by the blood bank at the Institute for Transfusion Medicine at the University Medical Centre Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel Campus. The plasma, meanwhile, is provided by the pharmacy of the Schoen Clinic Rendsburg.

The introduction of blood products at Rendsburg is part of a wider rollout across DRF Luftrettung’s network of bases. The organization has now equipped over half of its helicopters with the lifesaving products.

“Schleswig-Holstein is a predominantly rural, extensive state that also includes many islands,” emphasized Dr Kai Berndt, Chief Helicopter Doctor at the Rendsburg station. “With erythrocyte [red blood cell] concentrates and plasma, we now have another therapy option directly at the scene of the incident to provide optimal care for people who have suffered serious injuries. This gives us the opportunity to stabilize patients with severe blood loss due to injuries or internal bleeding on site, for example when a technical rescue takes time, and to go on a possibly longer transport with pre-care.”

Lauren Haigh explored how carrying blood on board aircraft could improve patient outcomes in the August 2025 issue of AirMed&Rescue.