The DRF Stiftung is a foundation focused on strengthening emergency and rescue medicine, with an emphasis on practical innovation, patient safety and sustainable improvements in healthcare. Working closely with partners and drawing on science and research, it supports evidence-based projects designed to help rescue teams and advance prehospital emergency care. Its work ranges from developing new methods to evaluating technologies and training approaches for real-world use.

The foundation’s current and completed projects address challenges across air rescue and emergency response. Examples include research into neonatal helicopter transport, Doppler-based perfusion assessment, artificial intelligence for prehospital care, cardiac arrest teams, emergency medicine tactics, and training using virtual reality. Other initiatives explore rapid detection of brain haemorrhage, oxygen levels in helicopter cabins, REBOA, and the psychological resilience of emergency personnel.

The DRF Stiftung also offers funding opportunities for project ideas, supporting applicants from initial concept through implementation. Its website provides information about its research areas, funding process and team, and invites organisations and professionals to submit proposals that could help improve emergency care.