Rescue operations site in Lahr has been assigned to the German-based air rescue organization, DRF Air Rescue.
The Ministry of the Interior, for Digitalization and Municipalities has announced the launch of a new air rescue site in Lahr, Baden-Württemberg. The rescue helicopter at this site will bear the call sign "Christoph Ortenau".
The decision to establish this new site follows the recommendations from the Structure and Demand Analysis of Air Rescue in Baden-Württemberg, published in May 2020. The contract for the new air rescue site at Lahr Airport was awarded to DRF Luftrettung gemeinnützige GmbH on July 21, 2025.
DRF will operate a total of eight air rescue stations in Baden-Württemberg as of 2026. The company will deploy a helicopter of the type Airbus H145 D3 with a five-blade rotor at the Lahr site.
The Ortenau Clinic will ensure the medical staffing of the helicopter, while the pilots and medical-technical crew members will be provided by DRF. Once all recommendations from the Air Rescue Report have been implemented, the existing ten air rescue sites will be capable of reaching any location in Baden-Württemberg within 20 minutes during daylight hours.
The concession for the new air rescue site has a duration of 15 years. DRF's offer was successful among three offers from renowned air rescue companies, including ADAC Luftrettung and die Johanniter Luftrettung.
The Press Release about more sites for rescue helicopters was issued on November 17, 2022. For further information, an external contact form for the Citizen's Representative of the Ministry of the Interior, for Digitalization and Municipalities is available. The contact email for the Press Office of the Ministry of the Interior, for Digitalization and Municipalities is also provided.
The new air rescue site in Lahr will be operated by DRF from July 1, 2026. As the implementation of the recommendations from the Air Rescue Report continues, it is expected to significantly improve the emergency response capabilities in Baden-Württemberg.
