Blog
Categories
© Tirol Werbung / Rodler Ilvy
Food & Drink
© Bert Heinzelmeier
People
© Tirol Werbung / Aichner Bernhard
Arts & Culture
© Tirol Werbung / Moore Casey
Recommendations
© Tirol Werbung / Herbig Hans
Family
© Tirol Werbung / Schwarz Jens
Bits & Pieces
© Tirol Werbung / Neusser Peter
Sports
Jagdhausalmen Alpine Pastures, Defereggen, East Tirol, Austria, Europe
Specials

The Reutte Helicopter Rescue Team

Updated on 13.11.2019 in People, Photos: Bert Heinzlmeier

Flugrettung_3

Searches for lost hikers, ski accidents or broken legs—when the location is remote and challenging in and around the mountains of Reutte, RK-2 helicopter’s rescue team is called upon. On board is Florian Selb who volunteers his time and expertise in the service of people who need assistance.

They are drinking coffee, talking to each other while waiting for their first call. When I sat down with the flight crew of the Reutte operating base I soon recognized that they have been working together for years. That day, the crew has been on duty since 6:30am and their shift would last until sunset. The base at Reutte operates the state-of-the-art RK-2 helicopter, which is specifically designed to meet the requirements of challenging search and rescue (SAR) missions – it is a beautiful looking ship in red and white. The life flight rescue team is always on call, with typical missions taking place late in the afternoon.

When speed to hospital is critical or when the location is remote or challenging in and around the mountains of Reutte, ARA flight’s rescue team is called upon. The rescue helicopter serves the greater Reutte area within a radius of 50 kilometers, averaging over 1,000 missions per year. As the border to Germany is very close, they also support emergency calls outside of Austria in Germany’s Bavaria when their assistance is needed.

The brand-new „H 145“ helicopter responds to a multitude of SAR mission needs.The brand-new „H 145“ helicopter responds to a multitude of SAR mission needs.

The biggest cause of ski accidents is people pushing themselves beyond their ability.”

In the winter, when ski season is in full swing, the majority of missions are ski accidents. “The biggest cause of ski accidents is people pushing themselves beyond their ability,” says Florian Selb. The 27-year old grew up in Lechtal Valley in the Tirolean District of Reutte and spent much of his time hiking, climbing and skiing the mountains. He is voluntarily dedicating his time and skill, assisting the Reutte flight rescue team in all kinds of search and rescue efforts. His expertise and skill as a mountain rescue team member is of great importance in the notoriously challenging conditions found in the mountainous terrain. Apart from Florian, the helicopter crew consists of full time salaried members, including a pilot, an emergency physician and a winch operator.

Florian Selb is one of 12 volunteers who man a roster at the Reutte operating base.Florian Selb is one of 12 volunteers who man a roster at the Reutte operating base.

The RK-2 SAR helicopter also supports emergency calls outside of Austria in Germany’s Bavaria when needed.The RK-2 SAR helicopter also supports emergency calls outside of Austria in Germany’s Bavaria when needed.

A Massive Team Effort

“Our team is made up of highly trained, passionate and dedicated people. The service that we provide is a massive team effort. It takes significant training and preparation. We simulate emergency situations to improve and we constantly seek to refine our skills to the point of mastery, especially when it comes to rescue operations requiring the winch,” says pilot Jörg Strauß. The state-of-the-art RK-2 SAR helicopter is fitted with a rescue winch. This enables emergency physicians and paramedics being winched out of the helicopter during rescue missions and providing life-saving care to patients in remote places where the helicopter can’t land.

The Air Medical Rescue Team

 

The Austrian Air Medical Rescue Team brings the hospital to the patient when time is critical. The most common incidents they attend include road traffic collisions, emergencies and mountain incidents. In winter, they predominantly conduct mountain rescues of skiers. Seven helicopters are spread out through Tirol all year round. Their mission: provide rapid response and transportation for patients in critical condition. Rescue operations are mainly coordinated by the Austrian ÖAMTC Automobile Association and the Red Cross; on top of it there are privately owned helicopter rescue companies.

 

The cabin is equipped with a full line of medical equipment.The cabin is equipped with a full line of medical equipment.

The ability to help people in need is the best part of my job.”

The RK-2 helicopter carries a pilot, an emergency physician, an operator for winch and a member of the mountain rescue team.The RK-2 helicopter carries a pilot, an emergency physician, an operator for winch and a member of the mountain rescue team.

It’s Very Rewarding

“Like any emergency services work, you’re often with people during their most difficult moments, which can be hard. However, the ability to help those people in need is the best part of my job. The feeling of being part of a successful team contributing to saving lives is extremely rewarding,” says Florian Selb. He especially appreciates when people write him to say thank you. “It’s good to hear that people who were originally at death’s door can walk out of hospital and go back to their lives.”

ARA Flight Rescue

 

The abbreviation “RK-2“ (“Rotes Kreuz-2” – Red Cross 2) stands for the SAR helicopter that is based at the district hospital of Reutte. RK-2 is operated by ARA Flight Rescue in conjunction with the Austrian ARBÖ Automobile Association.

 

After the mission is before the next mission.After the mission is before the next mission.

It takes a lot to be a Member of the Life Flight Crew

When they are not on duty, the volunteer crew members are all avid outdoorsmen who love playing in the mountains. However, to be a member of the RK-2 team requires significant skill, dedication and physical fitness. “It takes a lot to be a member of the life flight crew. They must be experienced members of the mountain rescue and trained paramedics. Yet the rewards are also unlike a typical volunteer experience. Members are an integral part of a highly trained team. They are all committed to many years of service with us. They support us until they retire,” declares Jörg Strauß.

Suddenly the team receives a rescue call. The rescue coordination center at Innsbruck sends the request to the Reutte operating base for dispatch. The destination is noted, helmets are put on, the necessary equipment for the job is gathered, the helicopter is started and the crew swiftly gets on board. Two minutes after the alert, the RK-2 is in the air.

Video: Florian Selb on Duty

Having worked overseas for years, Klaus Brunner returned home to explore Tirol with his camera and microphone in tow. Home is where the heart is.

Last article from Klaus
Summer solstice fires in Tirol
Updated on 10.06.2024 in Arts & Culture
Summer solstice fires in Tirol
4 min reading time
Pension-Ladestatthof-Heubett-Header
Updated on 12.02.2024 in Recommendations
8 Amazing Romantic Getaways in Tirol
5 min reading time
TirolWerbung_930127
Updated on 22.01.2024 in Recommendations
5 Ski Resorts Easily Accessible by Train
3 min reading time
Dolomiten Hut in East Tirol. Photo by TVB Osttirol
, © TVB Osttirol, Zlöbl
Updated on 08.01.2024 in Recommendations
Five Unforgettable Places to Stay
3 min reading time
the-best-beers-in-tirol
Updated on 24.04.2023 in Food & Drink
The Top Beers from Tirol
14 min reading time
A wonderfully crispy dessert from Tirol that is fun to make at home: “Strauben”
Updated on 27.05.2021 in Food & Drink
“Strauben”: The Original Recipe to Try at Home
3 min reading time
Apfelradln_1_klein
Updated on 06.04.2021 in Food & Drink
"Apfelradln": Enjoy the Taste of Tirol at Home
3 min reading time
Updated on 19.03.2021 in Recommendations
Ten Virtual Museums and Guided Tours in Tirol
5 min reading time
TW Berufe Mayrhofen  – Penken Harakiri Die steilste Piste Öster
Updated on 14.01.2021 in People
Making Corduroy: The Ski Groomer on Harakiri Run
4 min reading time
Titelbild_Kathrein_Musig
Updated on 07.12.2020 in Arts & Culture
Playlist: Top 7 Christmas Carols from Tirol
4 min reading time
Stams_Stamser Alm
Updated on 16.11.2020 in Food & Drink
Superfood from Tirol: “Graukäse” and “Zieger”
5 min reading time
Herrlich
Updated on 02.07.2020 in Food & Drink
Buchteln: A Sweet Treat from Tirol
4 min reading time
Innsbruck, Nordkette
Updated on 28.05.2020 in Arts & Culture
Climb Every Mountain: Summit Crosses in Tirol
3 min reading time
1
Updated on 02.03.2020 in Recommendations
Ask a Local: Fieberbrunn
5 min reading time
_DSF1999_klein
Updated on 07.11.2019 in Food & Drink
Wine from Tirol: when vines begin to climb
6 min reading time
Christine Silberberger from Auffach – the Wildschönau native truly loves her home region.
Updated on 06.10.2019 in Recommendations
Ask a Local: Wildschönau
5 min reading time
Oberried Climbing Area in Ötztal Valley. Photo Credit: Tirol Werbung
Updated on 18.06.2019 in Sports
Five Rock Climbing Areas for All Ages
3 min reading time
A scenic mountain walk coupled with indulgent gastronomic experiences: Burgeralm. PHOTO CREDIT: FRANK BAUER
Updated on 16.04.2019 in Food & Drink
Burgeralm: A Haven for Cheese Lovers
4 min reading time
DJ Gerhard Schmiderer at the Mooserwirt Après Ski Bar in St Anton.
Updated on 12.02.2019 in People
The DJ at the Mother of all Après Ski Bars
5 min reading time
Gasthof Gemse in Zams
Updated on 14.12.2018 in Bits & Pieces
Five Cozy Fine-Dining Gems in Tirol
3 min reading time
Exterior view with Jesuit Church | Photo Credits: Günther Egger
Updated on 11.12.2018 in Arts & Culture
The “House of Music” in Innsbruck
4 min reading time
Wörgl, Bahnhof, Abfahrtsanzeige
Updated on 12.09.2018 in Recommendations
Bike carriage with public transport in Tirol
6 min reading time
Westendorf, Hinterwindau, Käsealm Straubing
Updated on 25.04.2018 in Sports
eMTB Riding Tips & Techniques for Beginners
3 min reading time
Ask a local: Innsbruck
27.03.2024 in Recommendations
Ask a Local: Innsbruck
4 min reading time
tirol werbung-hofgarten-blanchard-9787
09.06.2023 in People
The Keepers of the Salvenkirchlein Church
5 min reading time
All articles from Klaus
No comments available
Write comment

Keep reading

Go up

Is your inbox in need of a holiday?

Then subscribe to our weekly newsletter full of exclusive holiday tips from Tirol!