Two of DRF Luftrettung's HEMS bases in Germany are to operate with EpiShuttle special isolation stretchers, with another eight set to follow suit.

DRF is investing in the protection of patients and its crews to ensure that during the coronavirus pandemic, people in medical emergencies can still be rescued as quickly as possible. The first step is to equip two HEMS bases with isolation stretchers known as EpiShuttles. These stretchers will not only help crews save valuable time but will also afford them optimum protection. The newly-equipped HEMS bases will be ready for action after each operation more quickly, as the time-consuming disinfection of helicopters after missions with corona-infected patients will no longer be necessary. More and more people need fast access to intensive care beds with ventilators but are at present transported predominantly by road, which takes time and can put lives at risk. Unfortunately, this need is likely to increase greatly in the coming weeks.

“The innovative EpiShuttles enable patients to be transported as if in an intensive care unit. The patient lies under a transparent cover and can be connected to an intensive respiratory device via air-tight access points while being monitored and treated. In this way, we can fly well-monitored patients quickly and safely to hospitals with available ventilator-equipped intensive care beds. Meanwhile our crews are protected from infection even better than before and can continue their life-saving operations,” explains Dr Jörg Braun, medical director of DRF Luftrettung.

An EpiShuttle currently costs about €40,000. “DRF Luftrettung has decided to make this important investment in the lives and safety of patients and crews, and would welcome any support from donors and sponsors for this urgent measure. In these times, in which every minute counts all the more, we want to do everything in our power to be there for people in need,” adds Krystian Pracz, chairman of the DRF executive board.