DRF Luftrettung reach 20,330 air ambulance rescue missions in 2018
In the first half of 2018, helicopters from DRF Luftrettung (German Air Rescue) were called out 20,330 times
In the first half of 2018, helicopters from DRF Luftrettung (German Air Rescue) were called out 20,330 times (first half of 2017: 19,558 times). DRF Luftrettung operates 31 HEMS bases in Germany and Austria, and the crews are on standby daily to react to rapid emergency rescue operations and urgent transportation needs of intensive care patients between clinics. At nine HEMS bases in Germany, this service is provided on a 24/7 basis.
In addition, fixed wing ambulance aircraft based at Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden International Airport are also available 24/7 for dispatch for repatriation of patients on a global scale. These ambulance jet performed 147 missions and were dispatched to 42 countries in the first half of 2018.
"We set ourselves the highest standards in all areas – not only with regard to aviation technology, but also with regard to our medical equipment and especially the qualification of our crews," commented Dr Peter Huber, Chairman of DRF Luftrettung. He went on to explain that in recent weeks, the organisation has begun equipping its first rescue helicopters with mechanical resuscitation devices. These devices are used to continuously maintain the circulation of a patient’s blood with cardiac pressure massage until the helicopter arrives at the clinic.