Christoph 51

Christoph 51 is a rescue helicopter operating from an airfield near Stuttgart, providing emergency medical care and transport for patients requiring intensive treatment. The Airbus H145 aircraft carries pilots, paramedics, and a specialized physician trained in anesthesia to reach patients across the Stuttgart region.

The service began operations on 9 June 1989, initially using a Bell 206 helicopter. Over the following decades, the fleet evolved with different aircraft models to meet advancing medical needs and technical requirements.

The helicopter station organizes regular open house events at Pattonville airfield, enabling local residents to learn about emergency medical aviation services.

The helicopter responds to emergency calls across the Stuttgart region and can reach remote or difficult-to-access locations quickly. The airfield hosts public information days where visitors can learn about the operations and meet the rescue teams.

The helicopter specializes in transporting critically ill patients using portable heart-lung machines called ECMO systems. This advanced equipment allows the medical team to provide mechanical support to patients during flight transport.