Munich, February 11 – The ADAC Air Rescue service reported a total of 48,908 missions for its rescue helicopters in the past year. While this figure represents a slight decrease compared to the 49,048 flights in 2024, the organization noted a rise in more challenging operations, including 3,314 flights conducted in darkness and 580 missions involving rescue winches.
Accidents and Cardiovascular Issues Top Reasons for Deployment
According to the ADAC Air Rescue, the most frequent reason for helicopter deployment was accidents, accounting for nearly one-third (31 percent) of all missions. This category includes severe traffic accidents, industrial incidents, and other emergencies requiring rapid medical intervention. Following closely were cardiovascular emergencies, such as heart attacks, which made up 26 percent of the total missions.
The critical nature of these incidents underscores the vital role of air rescue services in providing immediate medical assistance, often in situations where ground transport would be too slow or impractical.
Extensive Fleet and Highly Trained Personnel
The non-profit ADAC Air Rescue operates a substantial fleet of 60 rescue helicopters stationed at 37 locations across Germany. These aircraft are piloted by a team of approximately 180 experienced pilots. Each mission crew also includes highly qualified medical professionals and emergency paramedics, ensuring comprehensive care from the moment of arrival at the scene to the patient’s transfer to a medical facility.
The organization’s commitment to maintaining a robust and well-equipped air rescue network is crucial for responding effectively to a wide range of medical emergencies and accidents.
Bavaria Leads in Mission Count
Bavaria once again recorded the highest number of rescue helicopter deployments, with 11,742 missions. This was followed by Rhineland-Palatinate with 7,786 missions and North Rhine-Westphalia with 5,310 missions. The high number of missions in Bavaria reflects the state’s geographical size, population density, and diverse terrain, which often necessitates rapid air medical transport.
The ADAC is one of two major air rescue organizations in Germany, working alongside DRF Luftrettung. The DRF Luftrettung’s helicopters conducted 36,407 missions last year, further highlighting the significant demand for air rescue services nationwide.
Increasing Complexity of Operations
The increase in challenging missions, particularly night flights and winch operations, indicates an evolving landscape of emergency response. Night flights require specialized equipment and highly skilled pilots, while winch rescues are typically performed in difficult-to-access terrain, such as mountains or remote areas, where landing a helicopter is not feasible. These complex operations demand advanced training and coordination among the entire rescue team.
The ADAC Air Rescue continuously invests in training, technology, and equipment to ensure its crews are prepared for any emergency, regardless of its complexity or location. This dedication to operational excellence is paramount in saving lives and minimizing the impact of severe medical events and accidents.
Source: dpa-infocom, dpa:260210-930-669814/1
