Five new ambulances in the Siegen-Wittgenstein district: State-of-the-art technology for more safety!

Five new ambulances in the Siegen-Wittgenstein district: State-of-the-art technology for more safety!

In a ceremonial ceremony on June 17, 2025, five new rescue transport vehicles (RTW) with all-wheel drive were handed over to the German Red Cross (DRK) in the Siegen-Wittgenstein district. District Administrator Andreas Müller, who officially handed over the vehicles, emphasized the importance of this investment of around 1.5 million euros for the rescue workers in the region. The new vehicles not only have state-of-the-art equipment, but also meet the requirements that are particularly in demand in the low mountain region.

These new RTWs replace older models that are now being retired. The all-wheel drive makes the vehicles ideal for use in rough terrain, be it in the forest, in snow or on slippery roads. This means emergency services can provide help quickly and effectively, even in difficult situations. Because as the saying goes? Safety first!

State-of-the-art equipment for the saving angels

The new ambulances are equipped with a variety of technical highlights. These include electro-hydraulic stretchers, which make loading and unloading patients much easier. There is also an integrated compressed air system that allows an incubator to be operated during transport. This feature is particularly important for the safe transport of newborns or sick children between different hospitals.

A look at the technical specifications shows that the RTWs meet the standards of DIN/EN 1789 for Type C ambulances. With a total weight of 3.5 tons, an output of 130 hp and an automatic transmission, they are well equipped. The uniform equipment of all ambulances used by the DRK ensures that employees can be trained quickly. In addition, all medical devices can also be used outside the vehicle, increasing flexibility in emergency situations.

• Luftgefederter Tragetisch mit Fahrtrage von Stollenwerk
• EKG und Defibrillator Typ LP 12 von Medtronic (halbautomatische Defibrillation möglich)
• Beatmungsgerät Typ Medumat Standard a von Weinmann
• Absaugpumpe
• Rettungsrucksack mit umfangreicher medizinischer Ausstattung für Notfalleinsätze
• Vakuummatratze
• Schienungsmaterial für Knochenbrüche
• Schaufeltrage
• Medikamente für diverse Notfälle

The challenges in action

The rescue service is constantly facing new challenges. A nationwide analysis of the level of performance in the emergency services found that the volume of operations has fluctuated in recent years. According to the Federal Highway Research Institute (BASt), operational data from various regions is being examined. The figures from 2020/2021 show that there were almost 13.1 million missions in Germany, a significant proportion of which were carried out with ambulances.

The frequency of use is particularly important in urban and rural regions. For example, around 5 million missions were classified as medical transports, while emergencies required many more missions. The documentation of these operations shows that the emergency rate has increased to 97.3 operations per year per 1,000 residents. That shows there's something going on!

By investing in the new ambulances, which are equipped with the latest medical technology, the DRK is sending a strong signal for future-proof emergency care in the Siegen-Wittgenstein district. These measures not only contribute to improving the infrastructure, but also to the security of the population in the region. Let us look to the future with optimism, because the new technologies and the DRK's commitment ensure that help reaches where it is most urgently needed.

For further information about the new rescue vehicles and the services of the DRK in the Siegen-Wittgenstein district, visit Radio Siegen, DRK Siegen-Wittgenstein and the BASt for further statistics and analyses.