New intensive care car in Leipzig: Revolution for patient rescue!

New intensive care car in Leipzig: Revolution for patient rescue!

On July 1, 2025, an important step in emergency care was taken in Leipzig: the Maltese in Saxony and the University Hospital Leipzig (UKL) presented the first intensive care Transport car (ITW) for the region. In the future, the ITW will take over the transport of patients subject to intensive care between clinics and rehabilitation facilities and is available around the clock. Leipzig will benefit from a new, highly functional means of transport that is intended to significantly improve the supply standards for highly critical patient transport. As lvz.de Here around the second vehicle of its kind in Saxony after an ITW is already in use in the Dresden area.

The new transport car is described as a "rolling intensive care unit" because it is equipped with the extensive equipment of an inpatient intensive care unit. The UKL clinic is responsible for the medical care of the patients, while the Maltese provide both the vehicle and the emergency services crew. Ralph Schröder, emergency service manager, explains the differences between the ITW and conventional ambulance. The ITW is a larger vehicle with special equipment for permanent medication distribution and special ventilation options. Specially trained emergency doctors, intensive care doctors and trained emergency service and nursing staff are on board, which makes ITW a highly qualified relocation unit. According to the Maltese, this is the only vehicle of this kind financed by health insurance companies in the Leipzig area, which underlines the importance of the Initiative.

improved patient care

The decision to create the intensive care car was particularly influenced by the experience in crisis situations such as Corona pandemic. These times have illustrated how important special vehicles are for patient transport. The ITW is coordinated centrally via the Dresden rescue center, which enables an efficient and quick reaction to emergencies. This is particularly crucial in order to meet the special requirements for relocating patients.

In addition, the ITW is initially operated with an interim vehicle. The delivery of the final vehicle is expected for early 2026, which will bring a further improvement in emergency care. The AOK-Plus assumes the costs for the operation of the ITW, which should permanently strengthen public health care in Leipzig.

Overall, the introduction of the intensive care car shows the commitment of the Maltese and the University Hospital Leipzig to raise medical care in the region to a new level. With this initiative, an important contribution to the security and health of the population is made.