At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, DRF Luftrettung purchased specialist isolation stretchers known as EpiShuttles to make it as safe as possible for all involved when transporting highly infectious patients. It needed to be quick and easy to secure these stretchers in the helicopter with an optimum solution that complies with the regulations. The EASA Part 21 Design Organisation at DRF Luftrettung developed a ground plate for this purpose, which is also ideal for other transport systems.

The Multifunction EMS Ground Plate can be used to secure EpiShuttles or similar systems, such as an incubator, in the helicopter. The solution is impressively simple to use and DRF Luftrettung holds the relevant STC (Supplemental Type Certificate) for it. With a load capacity of up to 300 kg, the plate is currently the only one of its kind on the market.

The helicopter crew can fit the plate themselves in very little time and with no need for tools. A system such as the EpiShuttle can then be securely attached to the plate. This enables the crews to respond quickly and flexibly to the varied requirements of air rescue missions. This solution is only available from us, as we are currently the only operator to provide an EpiShuttle attachment solution that complies with the regulations.

To administer drugs to patients in the field as safely as possible, mobile medical devices such as syringe drivers that are secured inside the helicopter need to be taken directly to the patient during emergency rescue missions and intensive care transport. The medical crew need to work very quickly, particularly during time-critical missions. When the crew return to the helicopter, it must also be ensured that the devices can be secured to the holder on board the aircraft again just as quickly and easily and that they can be supplied with power.

Our Part 21 Design Organisation has designed an electrical interface to optimise attachment and removal of the medical devices in the helicopter. The new system not only enables the devices to be taken out without unplugging the charging cable, but also makes it possible to attach the medical devices to the holder on board the aircraft quickly and safely. Once the product has been approved and has been trialled on flights at selected DRF Luftrettung bases, it will also be made available on the European market.

The helicopter crew benefits from improved ergonomics as the medical device can be attached and connected to the electrical supply in one operation. The interface features a release mechanism so that the relevant device can be taken out with both hands. This means extra safety for patients and the crew. The new system also reduces the risk of the cable being torn out of the locking mechanism when the device is removed.

Just like on the road, the volume of traffic is continually growing in the air. To prevent collisions, it is hugely important for pilots to see other aircraft and to be seen by other pilots. The EASA Part 21 Design Organisation has developed a new system in recent years to improve both of these aspects and so increase safety in air transport. We have since completed the testing phase and the final optimisations were carried out in mid-2021. We can now offer this additional safety to others too.

Our EASA Part 21 Design Organisation has produced an intelligent combination of three existing technologies in one innovative collision avoidance system. The traffic avoidance system (TAS) newly installed in the EC135 and the built-in FLARM system are used to display the exact positions of other aircraft on the map in the on-board navigation system. If the aircraft come within a defined distance of each other, these two systems issue an acoustic and visual warning via specially installed warning lights. The third technology to be used consists of the eight LED pulsing lights, which were integrated into the warning system. These are fitted on the top and on the skids of the helicopter. They shine in different directions if the helicopter comes dangerously close to another aircraft and pulse in a set pattern.

We can provide our customers with the documentation for installing the pulsing lights or can offer a complete package, including installation of the collision warn systems (TAS) and FLARM as well as the pulsing lights at the Part 145 maintenance organisation of DRF Luftrettung.

The new collision warning system significantly reduces the risk of accidents thanks to the three combined systems. The pulsing lights play a key role in this. They not only make the aircraft more visible in the air, but their continuous light function can also be used to illuminate helicopters on the ground during night-time missions. This increases safety when loading a patient into the helicopter and also makes the stationary rotor blades easier to see for any emergency vehicles manoeuvring in the area.

The Australian manufacturer HeliMods produces and distributes the PAL™ (Powered Aero Loader) system for securing and powered loading and unloading of hydraulic road ambulance stretchers. This system enables patients to be loaded and unloaded from the helicopter very quickly and gently. HeliMods holds the Australian STC (Supplemental Type Certificate) for this product and it has previously not been possible to use it in Europe as it had not been granted approval.

The EASA Part 21 Design Organisation of DRF Luftrettung applied for the STC (Supplement Type Certificate) for the Power Aero Loader (PAL™) and is (after release) expected to be the only European provider to hold the approval for this product. If other European operators wish to use the PAL™, in the near future they can contact DRF Luftrettung to obtain the system and approval.

Crews can use the Power Aero Loader (PAL™) to safely and ergonomically load and unload patients weighing up to 318 kg from the helicopter. The system is operated at the touch of button, enabling patients on a stretcher system (the Stryker Power-Pro XT) to be loaded or unloaded by just one person at unbeatable speed. This makes work much easier as there is no physical lifting or manual stretcher adjustment.