René Closter takes control of Air Rescue

The company has just received the de Gaulle-Adenauer prize for its active role in the care of covid patients last spring in particular.

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What prompted you to make this decision?

René Closter, president LAR- “I will be 69 this year. I founded the organization and led it for 33 years. It would be totally irresponsible of me not to make a transition. I was fortunate enough to be able to decide for myself when I would stop and to be able to appoint and guide my successor for a year.

I could have retired twelve years ago. My concern and that of my colleagues on the board of directors was to find someone who suited us. It also took us a while to find someone who was willing to take over with enthusiasm and with a concern for continuity.

If you no longer hold the position of general manager, you will nevertheless remain active in the company.

“Yes, I will remain president and continue to assume various responsibilities. I am responsible for strategy, political relations and marketing. Frank Halmes will be the new CEO. He was responsible for finance and operations for us for seven years. We recruited him specifically because we know he has both the skills, the ability and the humanity to continue running the business in the same spirit.

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Click on an image to open the photo gallery

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In 1996, the LAR received a helicopter, which could also be used for rescue operations.

Photo: Serge Waldbillig

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How do you feel when you look back over the past 33 years?

“The first thing that comes to my mind: mission accomplished. I am particularly happy that in 33 years there has never been an accident. There are certainly risks in our work: after all, we also operate in areas of crisis and disaster. Every mission is different. Unexpected events can always happen.

When I was a professional firefighter, I founded the Emergency Medical Service (SAMU) with colleagues and dedicated doctors. But regularly, a helicopter was needed to transport patients abroad for treatment. It was often difficult or impossible. So we wanted to set up this service ourselves, but we received no political support.

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Click on an image to open the photo gallery

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Luxembourg Air Rescue has also intervened abroad, such as here in Iran.

LW-Archiv

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An accident involving a little boy was the trigger. His foot was cut off after being hit by a garbage truck. The summer holidays having started in France, there were traffic jams everywhere. We were unable to take her in time by ambulance to a specialized clinic. The foot could not be sewn up. I was very upset by this. So I took out a mortgage on my house and we hired a helicopter with a pilot from the German Air Rescue Service. We didn’t have permission, but we did.

Fortunately, we quickly received the support of the Luxembourg people. In no time, many members registered with us. This not only helped us financially, but also enabled us to gain the support of politicians.

What do you want for the future of Luxembourg Air Rescue?

“The first wish is that the company continues to navigate the future without any accident. Second, I hope that the spirit of the organization is preserved and that the interests of our members and our patients continue to be at the forefront. ”

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On the same subject

Luxembourg Air Rescue relies on a 6th jet ambulance

LAR’s fleet has just grown with the purchase of a new Learjet 45XR aircraft. Enough to allow the SME to ensure more repatriations across the globe. A mission carried out last year in 81 countries.

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