Bright sunshine accompanied the numerous visitors to the open house of DRF Luftrettung on June 24 at the Angermünde air rescue station. Big and small air rescue fans lined up for the anniversary helicopter, the interactive exhibition “World of Air Rescuers” and the helicopter bouncy castle.
Sven Klitzschmüller, head of human resources and authorized signatory at DRF Luftrettung, welcomed the guests and emphasized the central concern of the non-profit organization, since the first mission in 1973 to this day: “We are celebrating the mission anniversary because the people, our patients, but also our employees and supporters, take center stage. We are grateful and proud that we have been able to help so many people in five decades.”
As a highlight of the day, the visitors followed two operational demonstrations: the crew of Christoph 64 with the Angermünde fire brigade, the Johanniter-Unfall-Hilfe (JUH) Angermünde and the Uckermärkische Rescue Service Community (URG) showed the sequence of an operation — from the alarm being raised about a simulated car accident, to the transport of a patient to the clinic by rescue helicopter. The smooth cooperation, which is also so important in everyday operations, became clear. Because Sven Klitzschmüller also underlined this: “Air rescue is teamwork!”
Long queues formed throughout the day at the exhibited highlights: crew members let interested visitors take a look inside the anniversary helicopter, a state-of-the-art H145 with a five-blade rotor in a special paint finish, and explained the medical and aeronautical equipment of the helicopter. A helicopter bouncy castle was available for the younger guests, who also practiced the correct behavior in an emergency in “children learn to help” courses.
In addition, the “World of Air Rescuers” invited visitors to take a look behind the scenes of air rescue and to become active themselves. Varied exhibits to look at, touch and experience gave a first-hand insight into the different areas of DRF Luftrettung. Whether winch training using virtual reality goggles, a detailed miniature world or equipment from everyday flight – the mobile exhibition on 57 square meters offered something for everyone.
“Behind every mission there is a human destiny that also concerns us,” said Sven Klitzschmüller in his welcome speech. An hour later, together with his colleagues, he and his colleagues were able to experience how powerful this is. Ronny, a patient rescued in 2020, appeared in person for the first time at the open day to thank the Christoph 64 crew. With gifts, a card and a lot of emotion. “These emotional moments motivate us and show how important our work is,” said Björn Langer, station manager in Angermünde.
Those interested can find more detailed information on the history and the most important milestones of the DRF Luftrettung, on all events related to the anniversary of the mission as well as the congratulations of our partners and companions under the following link.
