Helicopter maintenance and technological updates underway at Bremen's DRF air rescue facility
DRF Luftrettung's Bremen Station Upgrades to Modern H145 Helicopter
The DRF Luftrettung in Bremen has upgraded its fleet with the addition of a modern H145 helicopter, equipped with a five-blade rotor system. This change brings several significant advantages to the air ambulance service.
The H145 helicopter's five-blade rotor system offers a 150 kg increase in payload capacity compared to its four-blade predecessor. This enhancement allows the helicopter to carry more equipment, supplies, or personnel, which is crucial for air ambulance missions requiring additional lifesaving hospital-level equipment.
The new rotor system also provides a smoother flight experience, reducing vibrations and improving comfort during transport for both the crew and patients. Additionally, the H145 helicopter's increased fuel capacity enables it to cover greater distances during missions, making it more versatile in emergency situations.
The Bremen Station, crewed by experienced pilots, emergency physicians, and paramedics, is now operational daily from 8 am to sunset. The station, located at Bremen Airport, has been providing intensive care transport services since 2009.
The change to the H145 helicopter with a five-blade rotor is part of a nationwide fleet modernization for DRF Luftrettung. The Bremen Station is the 20th station to receive this upgrade, further establishing DRF Luftrettung's fleet as one of the most modern in Europe.
The new H145 helicopter, stationed at the Bremen Station, is ready for urgent transports of intensive care patients and quick medical emergency responses in emergency situations. It can reach destinations within a 60-kilometer radius in a maximum of 15 minutes of flight time.
Other advantages of the H145 five-blade rotor helicopter include reduced fuel consumption, making the helicopter more economical to operate over time, and enhanced operational capabilities, such as increased internal capacity for patient care and advanced onboard technologies like external cameras aiding pilots in complex landings near incident sites.
This upgrade not only improves the efficiency of the air ambulance operations but also contributes to improved patient outcomes by ensuring that lifesaving equipment and resources are readily available during critical missions.
[1] Airbus Helicopters. (2020). H145: The new gold standard for air medical services. Retrieved from https://www.airbushelicopters.com/en/products/civilian-helicopters/h145/air-medical
[2] DRF Luftrettung. (2020). Modernisation der Flotte mit H145-Hubschraubern. Retrieved from https://www.drf-luftrettung.de/de/aktuelles/presse/pressemitteilungen/modernisierung-der-flotte-mit-h145-hubschraubern/
[3] Airbus Helicopters. (2020). H145: The new gold standard for air medical services. Retrieved from https://www.airbushelicopters.com/en/products/civilian-helicopters/h145/air-medical
The H145 helicopter's upgraded five-blade rotor system allows for a 150 kg increase in payload capacity, boosting the helicopter's ability to carry more equipment, supplies, or personnel for air ambulance missions. This modern technology also provides a smoother flight experience, resulting in reduced vibrations and enhanced comfort for both the crew and patients.
