Suben rescue helicopter to begin 24-hour service

Upper Austria will have a rescue helicopter operating around the clock from September 25, ORF reports. The Christophorus Europa 3, based in Suben and operated in cooperation with Bavaria, will close the gap in overnight emergency coverage.

The service is intended to improve nighttime medical care in Upper Austria and neighbouring parts of Bavaria. Christine Haberlander, the state health councillor and deputy governor, said emergency assistance should not depend on the time of day.

The new service will complement 24-hour helicopter bases in Lower Austria and Styria, which also provide coverage for Upper Austria.

Preparations for the service are nearly complete. Additional pilots and medical staff have been trained for nighttime rescue operations, while crews have undergone intensive preparation, according to Marco Trefanitz of the Austrian Automobile, Motorcycle and Touring Club.

A medical emergency vehicle will also be stationed in Suben as a backup. If poor weather prevents the helicopter from operating, teams will be able to respond to emergencies near the base by road. The remaining preparation is a vehicle safety training course for staff.

The state of Upper Austria will invest 2.25 million euros annually in expanding the nighttime service.