The farce about the banishment of an emergency medical helicopter from a Tyrolean town continues to cause excitement: As the number of operations has increased sharply, Ehenbichl’s mayor Wolfgang Winkler says that the helibase of the ARA air rescue service at the Reutte hospital has been given away. The take-offs and landings, especially for night flights, are no longer tenable.
The report in the “Krone” caused a stir that the ARA air rescue service will have to find a new home in the future with its RK-2 emergency medical helicopter. “We are very grateful to the crews,” says the mayor of the site, Wolfgang Winkler from Ehenbichl. But the ARA station, which has existed since 2005, is located in Ehenbichl right next to the nursing home associated with the hospital. This situation is unique, he says.
Protect residents of nursing homes
While the assignments of the red and white angels have increased considerably – according to Winkler from 100 to 1000 per year – investments have been made in the expansion of the nursing home. From December 2023, a total of 142 patients will be housed there instead of the 81 before. They – and the staff – in particular would suffer from the night flights. “We have to protect these people.”
Target German hospitals
The calculation that there would be as many flights in Reutte if the location were moved, but in total more in the Ausserfern, is incorrect. Two-thirds of the flights are transfer flights or have German hospitals as their destination.
conflict of interest
Meanwhile, hospital scoop Eugen Ladner’s work as an emergency physician at “competitor” Christophorus is rumored to have played a role in the move. Ladner was on vacation Monday and unavailable for the “Krone,” Winkler immediately denied: “The primary only serves as a consultant in the community association that operates the hospital, but not as a decision maker.”
“had suggestions”
ARA rejected all of the association’s suggestions for new locations, which it denies. “The ARA was given a reasonable lead time, we don’t want to scare off the RK-2,” says Winkler.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
