Christoph 44

Christoph 44 is a rescue helicopter operating from a central base in Göttingen with emergency doctors and pilots on board. The aircraft carries specialized medical equipment for treating patients during flight and can transport two emergency cases at once.

This helicopter was established in the 1970s as part of expanding Germany's air rescue network. Its launch marked a major step forward in emergency care across the Lower Saxony region.

The name Christoph refers to the patron saint of travelers, a tradition among German air rescue services. For people in the region, this helicopter has become a familiar sign of rapid medical help arriving from above.

The helicopter operates continuously and responds to emergency calls within minutes from a radius of about 50 kilometers. The base is usually visible from outside, but public access to the operational facility is not permitted.

The helicopter can medically stabilize patients before even landing at a hospital, cutting the time until full treatment begins. This airborne intensive care unit significantly improves survival chances for emergency patients.