Who actually sits in a rescue helicopter? When is it used? As a patient, do I have to pay for this if I am taken to a hospital with it? Three of many questions from the population with which air rescue is repeatedly confronted. To clarify and inform about the important work of all air rescuers, on March 19, 2020 the DRF Luftrettung introduces for the first time the annual “Day of Air Rescuers” which has been planned for a long time . We decided to do this despite or perhaps because of the current spread of the corona virus.
On March 19, 1973, the DRF Luftrettung took off for the first time with a rescue helicopter in order to help a person in need as quickly as possible. Today, the non-profit organization operates 29 air rescue stations nationwide and with more than 37,000 missions annually makes an indispensable contribution to emergency medical care in Germany. “For us, however, this is no reason to rest at the current status,” says Dr. Krystian Pracz, CEO of DRF Luftrettung. “We want to constantly improve in our daily work and always achieve the best possible for our patients.” With the “Day of Air Rescuers” on March 19, the DRF Luftrettung focuses on the daily work of all air rescuers for one day in order to make them known to the general public.
This year the DRF Luftrettung starts with a look behind the scenes. On March 19, 2020, interested parties can get a first-hand insight into the work and processes at the 29 stations across Germany on the social media channels – also with regard to the current situation regarding the spread of the corona virus. The DRF Luftretter report on their everyday life and their experiences in action, which is not always everyday. “In addition to providing basic information about our work, creating understanding for our crews plays a major role in operations,” explains Dr. Pracz. “Every single person we reach and sensitize with our campaign is a success. That is certainly more valuable than usual at the moment. ”
#wirhelicopter: Inform, educate, be there for each other.
However, a single day would be too short for the diverse and numerous subject areas within the organization. Therefore, the “Day of the Air Rescuers” also serves as a prelude to further activities and actions. As a connecting element, the hashtag #wirhelicopter bundles the day’s actions and all further steps in the coming year under one roof. #wirhelicopter symbolizes the day-to-day work of the DRF Luftrettung as well as the red and white aircraft that make the operations possible. The view from above, along with a possible change of perspective, is also meant. In addition, #wirhelicopter stands for mutual attention and being there for one another – in an emergency, also for providing first aid at the scene of the accident.