Air Rescue Austria (ARA), a partner in the non-profit air rescue alliance TEAM DRF, has been assisting in rescue operations in the flooded regions of Tyrol, Austria.

The emergency helicopter stationed in Reutte flew permanent missions to evacuate people and to transport material into the areas affected by flooding.

Following a series of flood incidents and a power blackout, the authorities of Reutte decided to intensify rescue operations. The authorities assigned ARA to assist in the catastrophe management programme.

The ARA emergency helicopters operate from 0700 until sunset from air rescue centres in Fresach/Carinthia and Reutte/Tyrol. The helicopters are crewed with experienced pilots, physicians, paramedics and mountain rescuers.

TEAM DRF operates 43 air rescue centres in Germany, Italy and Austria with over 50 rescue helicopters. In 2004, the organisation flew 32,844 lifesaving missions.