News

DRF Luftrettung flies 40,602 missions

January 28, 2009

Never before were the helicopters of the DRF Luftrettung alerted as often as in 2008. The number of missions rose to 40,602. Compared to the year before this meant a rise of 1,491 more rescue missions being flown.

In Germany alone the red and white helicopters of the DRF Luftrettung flew 32,507 missions. Among the most frequent reasons for these missions were heart attacks and apoplexies (22%), as well as accidents (16%).

The rescue helicopters based in Germany, Austria and Italy flew altogether 30,596 rescue missions. In 10.006 cases, patients were transported from clinic to clinic under intensive medical care by helicopter or ambulance aircraft. The 24 hour-helicopters flew 8,427 missions at night.

Investments of the DRF Luftrettung

"High-quality air rescue" is the primary goal of the DRF Luftrettung. This is the reason why the organisation has continuously worked towards its further development. As Germany's first civil air rescue organisation the HDM Luftrettung gemeinnützige GmbH, which belongs to the DRF Luftrettung, has been authorised to use Night Vision Goggles at the HEMS base of Munich.

After preparations and agreements with the relevant authorities a new quality level has been reached with regard to night missions. Altogether the DRF Luftrettung operates helicopters on duty 24 hours at eight HEMS bases.

General information about the DRF Luftrettung

The DRF Luftrettung operates 42 HEMS (Helicopter Emergency Medical Service) bases in Germany, Austria and Italy with more than 50 helicopters for emergency rescue and intensive care transport between hospitals. Approximately 700 emergency physicians, 400 paramedics, 200 pilots, and approximately 100 engineers are on duty for the DRF Luftrettung.

The DRF Luftrettung consists of a non-profit sponsoring association, a foundation under public law and a non-profit corporation with the subsidiaries of the latter. The foundation, which is controlled by the Regional Council (Regierungspräsidium) of Stuttgart, supervises the operative work of the non profit corporation.

In Germany the HDM Luftrettung gemeinnützige GmbH as well as the HSD Hubschrauber Sonder Dienst Flugbetriebs GmbH & Co. KG are part of the DRF Luftrettung. In Austria and Italy the ARA-Flugrettungs GmbH and Helitalia are part of it.

Concerning ambulance flights the DRF Luftrettung together with the LAR (Luxembourg Air Rescue) conducted 856 repatriations. Under the name of European Air Ambulance (EAA) they flew back patients from abroad to their home countries, landing in 81 destination countries worldwide.