Emergency Aid: The Pivotal Role of Helicopters in Aiding Flood Victims in Germany
In the heart of July 2021, Germany faced one of its greatest natural disasters as floodwaters ravaged North Rhine Westphalia and Rhineland Palatinate. During this critical time, various helicopter organisations played a pivotal role in search and rescue, medical evacuation, and logistical support.
ADAC Air Rescue, a non-profit organisation, led the charge, completing over 200 rescue flights. Their "Christoph 23 Bravo" helicopter, in particular, broke records, flying 36 missions in the first few hours, rescuing people trapped by water on roofs and other precarious locations.
NHC Northern Helicopter, a private German operator, also joined the efforts, deploying three H155s for rescue missions. These helicopters, manned by a second pilot, a hoist operator, and a paramedic, were instrumental in evacuating people isolated by the floodwaters.
The federal and state police forces, Bundeswehr armed forces, DRF Luftrettung air medical services, NHC Northern Helicopter, and ADAC Air Rescue all contributed helicopters to the rescue efforts. The Bundeswehr, for instance, logged over 300 flight hours with their H145s, H145Ms, and NH90s, saving more than 250 lives.
One of the most memorable missions for Bjoern Schroder, a pilot with NHC Northern Helicopter, was the evacuation of a hospital and retirement home isolated by the Erftstadt floods. The crew observed people waiting for help on roofs of their homes during the rescue missions. The rescued individuals were then taken to a nearby football field.
Schroder, a veteran with a career history in the German Armed Forces and offshore operations, found hoisting a baby into the H155 helicopter during the rescue missions to be an unforgettable experience. In fact, NHC Northern Helicopter and its parent company DRF Luftrettung conducted over 35 hoist missions in the region.
The Bundeswehr helicopters were also crucial in transporting over 65 tonnes of urgently needed materials, including food, drinkable water, and sanitary supplies. The evacuation was coordinated with a Bundeswehr NH90.
The helicopters were the primary means of rescue for people trapped by floodwaters, with their crews' experiences during the rescue missions moving and affecting everyone involved. NHC Northern Helicopter's H155 crew, for instance, rescued mostly elderly people, many of them 80 years and older.
In summary, the 2021 German floods marked a significant milestone in helicopter rescue operations. The dedication and bravery of the crews from various organisations undoubtedly played a crucial role in the successful rescue efforts.
During the 2021 German floods, sports field in a nearby location became a temporary shelter for rescued individuals, providing safety and respite.
Despite their primary role in rescue operations, the helicopters were also instrumental in transporting essential supplies, such as food, drinkable water, and sanitary items, to the affected areas.
