Christoph Dortmund, the air rescue service stationed at Dortmund Airport, now provides 24/7 emergency assistance as of January 2, 2024. This initiative, undertaken by the DRF Luftrettung organization, aims to bridge gaps in emergency medical care, particularly during nighttime hours when emergencies may arise without warning.
Markus Sandmann, pilot and station manager, expressed his optimism over the service expansion. "Notfälle kennen keine Uhrzeit und die notfallmedizinische Versorgung sollte in der Nacht genauso gut sein wie am Tag. Daher sind wir sehr glücklich darüber, dass wir den Menschen in der Region künftig rund um die Uhr schnelle Hilfe bringen können," stated Sandmann. This sentiment encapsulates the essence of the operational upgrade, which allows for prompt medical attention regardless of the hour.
The advanced H145 helicopter, which began servicing the area last September, is equipped with cutting-edge technology suited for nighttime operations. This model is noted for its five-blade rotor system, ensuring optimal performance under various conditions. With the new capabilities, Christoph Dortmund fills a significant gap within North Rhine-Westphalia's air rescue service, as it becomes the second helicopter within the region to operate round the clock.
Prior to the operational shift, DRF Luftrettung completed extensive preparations to ready the crew for the change. The station is now fully equipped to respond to emergencies at any time, reinforcing the commitment to providing swift and effective medical aid.
The move aligns with DRF Luftrettung's broader advocacy for enhancing air rescue services to meet demand around the clock. The organization maintains 13 stations ready for 24-hour operations, alongside two others with extended hours. The 24/7 operational model is intended to make nighttime emergency services as comprehensive as those available during the day, ensuring the public's safety and rapid access to medical assistance.
The H145 helicopter is used for urgent transports of critically ill patients and serves as a fast emergency response unit. During the day, the crew comprises one pilot, one physician, and one emergency medical technician. At night, operations are managed with two pilots to optimize efficiency and response times.
DRF Luftrettung's commitment goes beyond simply providing immediate assistance; it emphasizes detailed training for crew members to handle complex medical emergencies. Regular exercises fortify their skillset, enabling them to conduct demanding patient transports utilizing advanced medical equipment, including incubators and mobile heart-lung machines (ECMO).
Overall, the transition to 24/7 operations at Christoph Dortmund marks significant progress for emergency services. It not only promises to save lives but also provides peace of mind for residents who can now count on reliable medical support at any time of the day or night. The community, which had previously experienced vulnerabilities during late hours, is now fortified against the unpredictability of emergencies.
With over 36,000 missions conducted yearly, DRF Luftrettung stands as one of Europe’s largest air rescue organizations. Its operations are centered on ensuring the availability of healthcare and urgent medical responses across various locales, and this latest enhancement to Christoph Dortmund’s service reflects their unwavering dedication to the public’s safety and well-being.