Magazine | 2025-05-16
Ultra-precise teamwork: saving lives by helicopter
The German air rescue service DRF operates around 50 helicopters from 31 helicopter stations across the country. The two types used – H145 and H135 – come from Airbus Helicopters, which means they make use of Liebherr technology.
The alarm sounds for the Christoph Regensburg helicopter of the DRF Luftrettung air rescue service: now, every second counts – and every movement too. Pilot Christian Daxer checks the weather conditions, since the surrounding Regensburg area is often shrouded in mist. During daylight hours, he needs a minimum of 800 m visibility in order to take flight. Once that’s guaranteed, Christian Daxer completes the necessary checks inside the cockpit. He is assisted through this process by a paramedic with additional training. Meanwhile, lead doctor Katrin Judemann inspects the outside of the H145 – an ultra-modern helicopter from Airbus, a company for whom Liebherr technology plays a vital role. Shortly afterwards, the rotor blades begin to turn, the doctor climbs aboard and the H145 lifts off. Within just two minutes, the machine and its crew are ready for action.
We take a behind-the-scenes look at DRF and show the key role that Liebherr technology plays.