50 years of Christoph 11 in Villingen-Schwenningen: Air rescue for the Schwarzwald-Baar district

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For half a century now, Christoph 11 has been an indispensable part of emergency care in the Schwarzwald-Baar district. Since its commissioning, the venerable rescue helicopter has made a decisive contribution to the rapid and efficient medical care of people in acute danger situations. To mark this special anniversary, an extensive “anniversary day” was held on Saturday, offering the public and guests a variety of insights, hands-on activities, and a diverse program.

A quarter of a century in the service of air rescue

The Christoph 11 air rescue station, operated by the DRK Rettungsdienst Schwarzwald Baar gGmbH in cooperation with the DRF Luftrettung (German Red Cross Air Rescue Service), looks back on an impressive history. The helicopter has been flying missions around Villingen-Schwenningen since 1974 and is now the only air rescue station in Baden-Württemberg authorized for night flights. Over the years, the team has continuously developed and is now one of the most experienced and best-equipped, 24-hour air rescue units in the region.

On the anniversary, the work and significance of Christoph 11 for the region were vividly presented. From 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., the air rescue station grounds were open to visitors and offered numerous attractions. The emergency services, consisting of the fire department, mountain rescue team, rescue dog unit, and other partners, introduced themselves and presented spectacular demonstrations highlighting the diverse facets of rescue activities. Face painting, a bouncy castle, and interactive stations were particularly popular with younger visitors.

The guests’ physical well-being was also well catered for, as the German Red Cross (DRK) Villingen Local Association served hearty meals and refreshing drinks. Another attraction was the helicopter meet: Three helicopters from various organizations—the German Air Rescue Service (DRF), the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr), and the Federal Police—parked side by side, offering technology enthusiasts and families the opportunity to view the machines up close.

Evening celebrations with high-ranking guests

Following the day’s varied program, the organizers hosted a festive evening event, which was attended by numerous prominent representatives from politics and society. State Secretary in the Ministry of the Interior Thomas Blenke, District Administrator Sven Hinterseh, Mayor Jürgen Roth, and other guests of honor paid tribute to Christoph 11’s many years of work.

In his speech, Thomas Blenke, Member of the State Parliament, emphasized the importance of air rescue for Baden-Württemberg: “Christoph 11 stands for speed, technology, and human competence. As the state’s only night-flight helicopter, it not only saves lives, but also demonstrates the team’s outstanding performance through its high frequency of over 1,500 missions annually.”

An emotional highlight was the encounter with a former patient, whose rescue story was vividly recounted on-site. The patient emphasized the significant contribution of Christoph 11 to his recovery and expressed his sincere gratitude to the emergency services who had cared for him and transported him safely.

The evening concluded with a panel discussion with representatives of the German Red Cross (DRK) Baden regional association, funding agencies, the German Air Rescue Service (DRF) and the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr). This discussion highlighted the diverse challenges facing air rescue services and the importance of good cooperation and continuous development to maintain high quality standards.

50 years of humanity and the highest technology in action

The Christoph 11 air rescue service exemplifies the combination of technological advancement and compassionate assistance. In today’s modern air rescue environment, medically demanding missions and extensive technical capabilities are just as much a given as the professionalism and dedication of the crews, who are on call around the clock.

Thanks to the dedicated work of numerous partners and supporters, Christoph 11 has developed into an institution that has earned trust far beyond the city limits. From its initial founding to its current position as an important part of emergency care in the Schwarzwald-Baar district, 50 years of air rescue demonstrate one thing above all: consistency in serving people.

The anniversary provided an opportunity not only to look back but also to anticipate the future challenges and developments in air rescue. These will undoubtedly continue to play a key role in the safety and health of people in the region in the coming decades.

Outlook and thanks to the rescuers on site

It is the commitment of the pilots, emergency physicians, paramedics and ground crews that makes Christoph 11 more than just a helicopter – it is a symbol of solidarity in action, skilled assistance and life-saving precision.

The operators and partners look back on the past 50 years with great pride and combine the celebrations with the wish for continued safe operations, health, and strength for all involved. Christoph 11 thus remains a constant – both in the air and in the hearts of the people of the Schwarzwald-Baar district.

Summary

• Anniversary: 50 years of Christoph 11 in Villingen-Schwenningen
• Operator: DRK Rescue Service Schwarzwald Baar gGmbH and DRF Air Rescue
• Uniqueness: the only helicopter with night flight permit in Baden-Württemberg
• Number of missions: 1,526 missions last year
• Public program: emergency services presentations, technology tours, children’s activities
• Festive evening event with political and social representatives
• Focus on humanity, technology and commitment of the emergency services
• Outlook for a successful and safe future of air rescue