[Supraregional operation control system for rescue and repatriation flights]

The air rescue service, organized by regions in the Federal Republic of Germany, is conducted by helicopters and comprises 24 operation stations. 9 independently operating airline companies take part in supraregional repatriation flights. The coordination of the availability of regionally controlled rescue helicopters with repatriation flights to be conducted on supraregional level seems to be urgently necessary in order to avoid duplication of operations and futile flights and to control the influx of patients to the specialized hospitals. The ground rescue service has to be included in the overall coordination system. Information and data required for coordinating purposes in a supraregional operation control center will be presented in detail.