ADAC Luftrettung's Airbus EC135 rescue helicopter Christoph 61, stationed in Leipzig, Saxony, is celebrating its 35th anniversary. Christoph 61 was the first rescue helicopter to enter service in the former East German states in 1990.

Since its commissioning, the rescue helicopter has completed 43,678 missions, initially flying the flag of the International Air Ambulance (IFA). When ADAC Luftrettung took over the air rescue service in Leipzig in 2005, the red and white IFA livery of Christoph 61 was changed to the distinctive yellow of ADAC. Since then, the flying Yellow Angels have responded to 26,284 missions, often lifesaving.

The current dual base in Dölzig on the outskirts of Leipzig was opened in 2007, from which Christoph 61 and its sister aircraft, Christoph 63, have since taken off for their missions. The crew, each consisting of a pilot, emergency physician and emergency medical technician, is ready for deployment within two minutes.

Leipzig has a unique feature: It is the only location in Europe with two rescue helicopters based there for emergency operations. ADAC Luftrettung operates its second dual base in Senftenberg in Brandenburg, with a rescue helicopter for emergency operations and an intensive care transport helicopter for transporting patients from hospital to hospital.

Leipzig's two EC135 helicopters primarily fly rescue missions within a radius of approximately 70 kms around Leipzig. Flights can also be carried out at any time during twilight and darkness as part of an extension of off-peak hours. Such missions are made possible, among other things, by special night vision goggles as part of a night vision imaging system or NVIS for short.

Together, Christoph 61 and Christoph 63 completed over 2,400 missions in 2024 alone. Pilots and rescue personnel are provided by ADAC, while the doctors are provided by the St. Georg Municipal Hospital in Leipzig and the Bergmannstrost Hospital in Halle. The ‘Two Angels for Leipzig’, as the EC135s are known, are commissioned by the Saxon State Ministry of the Interior and alerted by the Leipzig Integrated Regional Control Center.

A significant personnel change is coming to Leipzig in June. After nearly 7,500 flight hours, long-time pilot and station manager Martin Handschuh will depart for his final assignment. He led the site for almost 20 years and handed over the station management to pilot Lutz Kalina some time ago.