New rescue base in Vienna: Fast help for 130,000 citizens!

New rescue base in Vienna: Fast help for 130,000 citizens!

Today, Vienna's 23rd district shines in a new light because the Vienna Red Cross has opened a new emergency service location. This measure is intended to help make emergency rescue and patient transport more effective in the region. In her opening speech, President Gabriele Domschitz emphasized the existing challenges that the traffic situation in Vienna poses for emergency vehicles. With the new facility, she sees the opportunity to respond more quickly to emergencies, as the location's transport connections are optimal.

The new base will operate 24 hours a day and provide up to 15 rescue and medical transport vehicles. Office workstations are also available to effectively manage administrative tasks. The planning and implementation of the location was no picnic, but the city of Vienna is growing and the need for such facilities is therefore undisputed. Social City Councilor Peter Hacker emphasizes how important such rescue bases are in such a dynamic city. District councilor Wolfgang Ermischer (SPÖ) is also pleased about the expansion, which is of great importance for the 23rd district with its around 130,000 residents and 70,000 jobs.

Ambulance transport – an important service

A central aspect of the new location is patient transport, which can primarily be used by people who cannot walk independently, such as those who are sick or bedridden. Patients who require medical care during the journey - for example dialysis or chemotherapy patients - also rely on this service. In order to order medical transport, those affected need a transport certificate from a doctor or a medical facility. If the order is placed without this certificate, the costs must be borne by yourself.

When ordering medical transport, it is important to call the Red Cross at least one day in advance. Of course you have to bring your e-card with you. The process is well structured: the ambulance picks up the patients at the agreed time, and trained paramedics take care of registering them at the hospital. Of course, waiting times can occur and the return journey is decided by the hospital staff.

High needs and high stakes

In order to meet the increased requirements, it is noteworthy that the Vienna Samaritan Association carried out over 278,305 rescue and patient transports in 2024, which corresponds to an average of around 760 trips per day. A total of 4.7 million kilometers were covered. Hygiene is of course a top priority: more than 300,000 pairs of disposable gloves and 350 liters of hand disinfectant were used.

In addition, the paramedics are also involved in numerous major events, such as the Danube Island Festival and the New Year's Eve Trail. “We are proud of our committed team,” says Oliver Löhlein, managing director of the Samaritan Association Vienna. This new infrastructure will not only strengthen the rescue service, but also create new jobs, as the recently opened base in Petritschgasse shows.

The Samaritan Association's efforts go beyond this: around 25,000 people visited the social markets and more than 94,500 hot meals were provided for those in need. The need for social services and support is growing, and the initiatives show that the City of Vienna is responding to these challenges.

The opening of the new emergency service location is not only a response to current requirements, but also a sign of the solidarity and commitment of Viennese civil society.

For more information about the new rescue service location, please read heute.at, details about patient transport can be found on the website of the Red Cross, and the activities of the Wiener Samariterbund provide a comprehensive overview of social responsibility in our city.