DRF Luftrettung’s Christoph 43 aircraft returns to Karlsruhe

Christoph 43, the rescue helicopter of DRF Luftrettung, has been returned to its regular location – the ViDia Christliche Kliniken Karlsruhe on Steinhäuserstrasse.

In January 2016, the Christoph 43 aircraft was temporarily relocated to Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden Airport due to the construction of the new clinic. Christoph 43’s return had since been delayed by structural damage to the landing pad and the extensive renovation work that followed.

Volker Buchmann, pilot and Station Manager of Christoph 43, commented: “The conditions at Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden Airport were very good, but it is of course very nice to be back in Karlsruhe. The helicopter has been based in the fan-shaped city since 1975 and has its permanent base here. During the construction phase, it was important to us to continue to be available to the people in the region, which was fully possible from the airport.”

At the end of November 2024, the Stuttgart Regional Council officially approved the roof landing pad. As part of the approval process, a helicopter from the Baden-Württemberg Police Helicopter Squadron flew to the landing pad several times and tested the lighting system.

Richard Wentges, CEO of ViDia Christliche Kliniken Karlsruhe, commented: “We are very happy that the construction work has now been completed, and that Christoph 43 is returning to its home station at Steinhäuserstrasse 18. The close connection to the clinic makes medical sense for the care of patients and is evident from the deployment of emergency doctors from our clinic on Christoph 43.”

The roof landing pad enables patients who are flown to the hospital by helicopter to be taken from the landing pad directly to the emergency room and the associated shock rooms via an elevator. Transport in an ambulance from the landing pad to the hospital and repositioning is no longer necessary. The second parking position means that another helicopter can fly to the hospital alongside Christoph 43, which also directly serves to provide rapid care for patients in medical emergencies.

Last year Safran awarded DRF Luftrettung a maintenance contract.