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On the occasion of Air Rescue Day on March 19, DRF Air Rescue is focusing on the systematic integration of air rescue into the overall emergency rescue system. In life-threatening situations, rapid deployment is essential to significantly increase patients’ chances of survival and recovery. The deployment of air rescue plays a crucial role in this.
Life-saving importance of air rescue
DRF Air Rescue emphasizes the importance of optimal interaction between emergency physicians, paramedics, and appropriate rescue resources within the overall emergency rescue system. Especially in cases of life-threatening injuries, pre-hospital time is crucial; according to guidelines, it should not exceed 60 minutes. Air rescue offers the advantage of transporting severely injured patients directly to specialized hospitals, which offers significant time savings, especially in rural areas.
Optimization potential for rescue equipment
In 2024, DRF Air Rescue transported approximately 81 percent of all polytrauma patients to a specialized trauma center by helicopter. However, data from the trauma registry show that only 18 percent of all severely injured patients in the basic population of participating hospitals were transferred by helicopter. Approximately 30 percent were transported to lower-level hospitals and had to be transferred within the first 48 hours, revealing potential for improvement in the dispatch of rescue resources.
Optimum use of resources in emergencies
The efficient use of air transport not only relieves pressure on ground-based resources but also facilitates the optimal transport route to specialized hospitals. DRF Air Rescue demonstrates that rescue control centers should increasingly focus on the most suitable destination hospital when planning operations. This optimization can save lives, especially for patients with severe injuries or illnesses.
Increased efficiency through systematic planning
The study demonstrates that valuable time can be gained through a well-thought-out combination of transport and targeted hospital allocation. The rapid response time of air rescue allows for the minimization of pre-hospital stay, thereby significantly improving the chances of survival for severely injured patients. This clearly underscores the need for optimal use of all available rescue resources.
DRF Air Rescue is a leading air rescue organization dedicated to providing optimal patient care. Its experienced teams and modernly equipped helicopters guarantee rapid and safe transport to specialized medical facilities every day.
DRF Air Rescue: Progress in the care of severely injured patients
DRF Air Rescue emphasizes that 32 percent of its missions involve traumatic emergencies. Its medical crews are highly trained, officials emphasized. Thanks to state-of-the-art medical technology and specialized training, the care of critically injured patients is at a new high.
Highly qualified emergency physicians and paramedics
DRF Air Rescue stated that its missions are carried out almost exclusively by emergency physicians with specialist qualifications or specialist qualifications. The paramedics have at least ten years of professional experience. Regular training in trauma management focuses on team communication and crew resource management. In addition, many emergency physicians have completed advanced courses in invasive emergency techniques.
State-of-the-art technology on board the helicopters
It was announced that every red-and-white DRF Air Rescue helicopter is equipped with state-of-the-art medical technology. Mobile ultrasound and blood gas analysis devices are standard equipment, enabling rapid diagnosis and treatment. Equipment for maintaining warmth and preventing blood clotting disorders is also highlighted.
Use of blood and plasma products at the scene of the accident
Blood and plasma products can be provided on-site at five DRF Air Rescue stations. Since the introduction of this technology, more than 120 pre-hospital transfusions have been performed. This saves lives that could otherwise be lost, the organization emphasizes.
Children’s emergencies: special expertise and equipment
DRF Air Rescue emphasizes that its crews are particularly experienced in pediatric emergencies. All emergency physicians have expertise in pediatric anesthesia. Special training courses ensure up-to-date knowledge and experience. Collaborations with pediatric hospitals have resulted in emergency equipment perfectly tailored to children. Digital tools such as the DIVI Children’s Emergency App further support the medical teams.
DRF Luftrettung, a non-profit organization, is committed to advanced air rescue technologies. Since the introduction of Air Rescue Day in 2020, it has been raising awareness of the central role of air rescue in the rescue chain. Its missions and technologies regularly save lives.
