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Tyrolean emergency medical services: night-time operational readiness is a question of money

Emergency helicopters take off in Tyrol at 10.30 p.m. at the latest.

(Bild: Huber Patrick)

The request for an emergency helicopter from Liechtenstein for a night-time rescue mission in the Ötztal Alps in Tyrol just over a week ago raises a number of questions. For example, why no local helicopter came. It's all about money.

It seems paradoxical: Tyrol has an exceptional density of emergency helicopters. However, the recent night-time rescue of a female mountaineer on the Geigenkamm had to be carried out by a helicopter from Liechtenstein.

While there are enough emergency helicopters flying in Tyrol during the day, the bases are closed at night.

The number of night missions in Tyrol would remain below ten.

Roy Knaus, Chef der Heli Austria

In principle, the Tyrolean emergency helicopters and their crews have all the skills required for night missions. The RK-2 in Reutte is available the longest in the evening - it takes off until 10.30 pm.

The RK-2 stationed at Reutte hospital.

(Bild: Hubert Rauth)

"Fresh" crews would be necessary
The extension to night operations would cause a problem with the crews' rest periods. Fresh crews would have to take over - and that costs money.

No night operation without money
Ultimately, it's all about financing. "We recently evaluated the number of night missions in Salzburg and applied the results to Tyrol," says Roy Knaus, head of Heli Austria. As is well known, its Martin-Flugrettung operates four bases for emergency helicopters in Tyrol.

"The number of night missions in Tyrol per year would remain below ten," says Knaus. "If no one steps into the breach financially, no helicopter operator will be prepared to keep a base open at night."