DRF Luftrettung ensures air rescue in North Rhine-Westphalia

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DRF Luftrettung will operate the intensive care transport helicopter in Dortmund for the next ten years. From January 1, 2025, Christoph Dortmund will be on duty 24 hours a day, which will significantly improve emergency care in North Rhine-Westphalia. This decision confirms the trust in the expertise of DRF Luftrettung.

Contract extension for a decade

The decision in the award procedure for air rescue in Dortmund was in favor of DRF Luftrettung. This means that the important intensive care transport helicopter will be operated by the organization as part of public air rescue in North Rhine-Westphalia until 2034. The station in Dortmund will be equipped with the state-of-the-art Airbus H145 helicopter and will be ready for the people of the region around the clock from the beginning of 2025. This measure is considered a further step in the continuous improvement of emergency care, especially at night, according to a DRF spokesman.

Extension of operating times

From January 1, 2025, Christoph Dortmund will be alerted around the clock, closing an important gap in the air rescue network in North Rhine-Westphalia. In current times, when only 17 of the 84 nationwide air rescue stations operate night flights, this represents significant progress. Every minute counts, especially in emergencies such as heart attacks or serious injuries. Thanks to the expanded operational capability around the clock, DRF Luftrettung can better meet this need.

Importance of DRF Luftrettung for the region

DRF Luftrettung emphasizes that the Dortmund station with the Airbus H145 and five-blade rotor is used for urgent intensive care transport and emergency medical operations. The helicopter is currently stationed at Dortmund Airport and is ready to support particularly medically demanding transports, such as with an incubator or a mobile ECMO heart-lung machine. Expanding the operating time to 24-hour operation will significantly improve medical care in the region.

Impressive performance record of DRF Luftrettung

DRF Luftrettung would like to thank the decision-makers for the trust they have placed in them and sees this as recognition of their continuous performance. The organization emphasizes that its expertise makes a fundamental contribution to air rescue in North Rhine-Westphalia. The supply areas include the Ennepe-Ruhr district, Hochsauerland district and Märkischer district. This decision underpins the ongoing pursuit of improved and accessible emergency care for all citizens.

DRF Luftrettung is one of the leading air rescue organizations in Europe. With over 50 stations across Germany, the organization has been a reliable partner in air rescue for decades. Their mission is to provide life-saving services quickly, safely and efficiently.