1.
TRAVEL SHOT ALONG Autobahn passing traffic jam
0.13

2.
SV INTERIOR Operator on 'phone at helicopter control, receiving information on accident and phoning service for assistance.
0.37

3.
CU PAN FROM Rescue service information sheet To intercom
0.45

4.
SV PAN FROM Intercom TO operator locating accident on map
1.00

5.
SV Police directing traffic at scene of crash (2 shots)
1.14

6.
LV Crash victim being loaded onto helicopter on stretcher (3 shots)
1.31

7.
GV PAN FROM Scene of accident TO helicopter starting up
1.39

8.
CU Police car
1.46

9.
GV Helicopter takes off
2.00

10.
SV Roadworkers clearing wreckage off autobahn and crashed cars (2 shots)
2.11



Initials CL/1822 CL/1839



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: West Germany is the first country to have a Government-financed helicopter rescue service for crash victims on their high-speed autobahn (motorway) roads.

There are now ten specially-equipped German-made Boelkow 105 helicopter ambulances in service. Their advantages are twofold: they can reach crash victims quickly and without difficulties -- conventional ambulances often get stuck in traffic jams caused by accidents on the autobahns -- and, once on board, injured victims can be ferried to hospital in record time.

The helicopter ambulances are manned by pilots of the West German Frontier Guard -- who also lend out their choppers to other rescue services. In Frankfurt the service is run by the Fire Brigade, who operate the helicopter ambulances and also run the control centre.

The German Automobiles Club also contributes to the service -- they donated two helicopters and gives clerical back-up assistance free of charge.

The service has been introduced in the hope of saving some of the 14,000 lives lost on West German roads each year.