Air Rescue: Saving Lives in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
Over 2800 Aerial Rescue Operations in 2024, Recorded in the Northern Region - Approximately 2,800 emergency air evacuations anticipated in the northern region by 2024.
Dive into the world of air rescue in Schleswig-Holstein, where the DRF Air Rescue operation in Rendsburg plays a pivotal role. Established half a century ago, Christoph 42, stationed at Schachtholm airfield near Rendsburg, embarked on its first mission on February 20, 1975. Over the years, this vital service has expanded its reach, particularly towards the islands and Halligen in the tidal North Sea [1].
Last year, the two helicopters operated by DRF Air Rescue in Schleswig-Holstein were summoned more than 2,800 times. In Rendsburg alone, Christoph 42 flew a whopping 1,527 missions, with almost every fifth one taking place in the dark [2]. Its counterpart, Christoph Europa 5, stationed in Niebüll (Circle North Friesland), was alerted a total of 1,312 times, with 19 percent of its missions from June to December also occurring at night [2].
These helicopters play a dual role, not just in conducting emergency rescues after serious accidents but also in transporting patients between hospitals. In 2024, Christoph 42 completed 1,236 emergency rescues and 291 hospital transports, while Christoph Europa 5 handled 929 emergency rescues and 383 hospital transfers [2].
Don't let the darkness deter them! The dedicated teams at DRF Air Rescue are always on the move, ensuring round-the-clock service at Rendsburg since May 2024 [2]. Prior to this, Christoph 42 was the sole air rescue available in Schleswig-Holstein at night. Today, DRF Air Rescue boasts 13 helicopter stations in Germany, seven of which are on duty 24/7, with another two operating extended hours [3].
As we stand on the shoulders of giants, we appreciate the commitment and relentless effort that DRF Air Rescue has shown in maintaining the highest operational standards. They continually invest in advanced medical equipment, cutting-edge technology, and rigorous training programs to ensure the best patient outcomes, no matter the challenges [1]. Their multidisciplinary approach includes close collaboration with ground-based emergency services and hospitals, resulting in swift and seamless coordination for both emergency rescues and non-emergency hospital transfers.
Traveling into the future, we can only imagine the lives they'll save and the boundaries they'll push. The story of air rescue in Schleswig-Holstein is one of courage, determination, and an unwavering commitment to service.
- Air Rescue
- Rendsburg
- Helicopter
- Schleswig-Holstein
- DRF
- Niebüll
- Emergency Rescue
- Transport
- Europe
- Circle North Friesland
References:[1] DRF Air Rescue. (2024). 50 years of emergency rescue in Rendsburg. Retrieved from https://www.drf-luftrettung.de/presse/pressemitteilung/50-jahre-notarzteinsatz-in-rendsburg/[2] DRF Air Rescue. (2025). Air rescue hits new records. Retrieved from https://www.drf-luftrettung.de/presse/pressemitteilung/luftrettung-schleswig-holstein-hits-new-records/[3] DRF Air Rescue. (2025). Evolution of air rescue in Germany. Retrieved from https://www.drf-luftrettung.de/presse/pressemitteilung/die-evolution-der-luftrettung-in-deutschland/
In the heart of Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, DRF Air Rescue in Rendsburg operates with dedication, performing vocational training for their staff to ensure the highest operational standards. As science advances, they continually invest in cutting-edge technology, providing medical-conditions patients with health-and-wellness support during emergencies and hospital transfers. Moreover, their services extend beyond Schleswig-Holstein, with a presence in Europe, particularly in Circle North Friesland at Niebüll, where their second helicopter station is located.
