Air Rescue Station of the DRF-Luftrettung in Rendsburg
The DRF Luftrettung has a station operating in Rendsburg since 1975. The helicopter with the radio name 'Christoph 42', stationed at the district hospital is being ordered in an emergency and also for intensive transports.
The rescue helicopter is the only one in Schleswig-Holstein, which is manned with professional pilots, emergency doctors and rescue assistants around the clock. The operational area of 'Christoph 42' is in central Schleswig-Holstein at the Kiel-Canal. Core areas are the districts Rendsburg/Eckernförde, Schleswig-Flensburg, Dithmarschen and Nordfriesland.
Alone in Germany the DRF Luftrettung has 28 helicopter stations for emergency rescue and urgent transport for intensive care patients operating between clinics. In Denmark and Austria are three further stations. In addition to regional air rescue the DRF Luftrettung does worldwide patient transports with own ambulance planes and highly qualified personnel. In the year 2009 the DRF Luftrettung flew altogether 40.375 missions. In Germany every person concerned has a right to a rescue helicopter it medical necessary.
The full costs for the air rescue can't be paid nationwide by the statutory health insurances alone. The DRF Luftrettung has to pay a large portion of the costs itself. That is only possible through the support of patrons and sponsors. In many places representatives go from door to door to inform about the work of the DRF Luftrettung and recruit patrons for the DRF e.V.. They are not collecting any money, wearing uniforms and have identification.